The United Nations Security Council voted for a 30-day cease-fire as airstrikes in Syria raises the death toll to more than 500. (AMMAR SULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images)
A fresh wave of airstrikes struck the Syrian capital of Damascus Saturday — killing 22 people and raising the week-long death toll to more than 500.
The United Nations Security Council, seeking to squelch the spasm of violence, voted unanimously in favor of a 30-day cease-fire.
The long-stalled resolution came after a weeklong bombardment that killed hundreds, devastated hospitals and prompted terrified residents to hide in packed underground shelters.
Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government, was blamed for hanging up the vote after insisting on amendments to the draft resolution.
“In the three days it took us to adopt this resolution, how many mothers lost their kids to the bombing and shelling? How many more images did we need to see of fathers holding their dead children?” United Nation Ambassador Nikki Haley said to members of the council.
“All for nothing, because here we are, voting for a cease-fire that could have saved lives days ago.” Read more......