The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)?Tuesday called on?the Syrian authorities and all others involved in the ongoing violence to implement a daily cessation of fighting for at least two hours, in all areas affected, to allow the prompt delivery of humanitarian assistance.

"The current situation requires an immediate decision to implement a humanitarian pause in the fighting," said Jakob Kellenberger, the president of the ICRC, in a written statement.

"In Homs and in other affected areas, entire families have been stuck for days in their homes, unable to step outside to get bread, other food or water, or to obtain medical care," he said.

''Over the past few days, we have been in contact with the Syrian authorities and members of the opposition to request this halt in the fighting," he added.

"It should last at least two hours every day, so that ICRC staff and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers have enough time to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded and the sick.''

Since 11 February, Syrian Arab Red Crescent and ICRC teams have managed to enter the cities of Homs, Bludan, Al Zabadani and Madaya (Rural Damascus) to provide humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people in need.

A temporary halt in the fighting would allow the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to step up their assistance significantly and better respond to the vital needs of the population, the statement said.