Blinken, Fidan note necessity to protect "civilians" in Aleppo

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have discussed the situation in Syria, noting the need to de-escalate and ensure the security of civilians in Aleppo, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said in a written statement published on Sunday.

He noted that Blinken and Fidan discussed "the rapidly developing situation in Syria." They talked about "the need for de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure in Aleppo and elsewhere." The diplomat added that the two officials also discussed humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip and the need to stop combat and release all hostages there.