Azhar concerned about deteriorating humanitarian situation in Madaya

Egypt's Al Azhar has expressed serious concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Syrian besieged town of Madaya, said a statement on Friday.

The situation in Madaya is contrary to all religious values, humanitarian norms and conventions and international treaties, said the statement.

Al Azhar, the highest Sunni seat worldwide, has called on the UN, human rights groups and all Arab and Muslim countries to intervene immediately and provide humanitarian and medical assistance to the residents of Madaya.

Madaya, which is about 25km (15 miles) north-west of Damascus and 11km from the border with Lebanon, has been besieged since early July by government forces and Hezbollah movement, their ally in Lebanon.

Source: MENA