Gulf countries express their solidarity with Aleppo

Some Gulf countries expressed their solidarity with the people of Aleppo on Wednesday and called for an end to the bloodshed, as Syrian government forces continue to advance in Syria’s second city, breaking the resistance of the rebel forces.

Around 2,000 protesters including MPs, held a peaceful sit-in, in front of the Russian Embassy in Kuwait on Wednesday, condemning Russia’s support to the Syrian government and calling on Gulf countries to sever diplomatic ties with Russia.

Protesters marched towards the fence of a compound housing the Russian Embassy in Kuwait City while chanting: "The people want the expulsion of the ambassador".

They carried banners saying "Stop crimes" and "Save Aleppo.”

"Today, the Syrian people are at war with Russia... dead bodies are in the streets of Aleppo," lawmaker Jamaan al-Harbash told the crowd, according to AFP.

"We call on Turkey and the Gulf states to expel Russian envoys and sever diplomatic ties with Moscow," he said.

Speakers also condemned Iran and the Shia militias supporting the government forces, accusing them of indiscriminate killings of civilians in Aleppo.

MP Thamer al-Suwait described the war in Syria as a "genocide". Former lawmaker Ahmad al-Shuhumi condemned what he labelled "a dirty sectarian war led by Iran against the Sunni Muslims."

They also called for a cease fire and for establishing a safe passage out for civilians, especially women and children.

Kuwait's parliament is set to hold a special debate on Aleppo on 28 December, speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem said Wednesday.

Opposition MPs urged Gulf Cooperation Council nations Tuesday to expel Russian ambassadors over what they called Moscow's role in "genocide" in Aleppo. 

Meanwhile, the leader of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, cancelled nationwide celebrations on18 December for National Day, in solidarity with the people of Aleppo, reported Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The Qatari National Day commemorates the unification of tribes under one leadership in 1878.

Kuwaiti and Qatari charities also launched fundraising campaigns for victims of the fighting in Aleppo.

On Monday, the two Gulf states called on the Arab League to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Aleppo.

More than 310,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict began, and over half the population has been displaced, with millions becoming refugees.