The Wire

Syria is meant to enter a ceasefire today, but there are serious doubts this will go ahead, after the killing of over 100 civilians this week. This recent surge in violence has prompted concerns that the peace plan won’t be followed.

Under the UN arranged plan, armed forces must withdraw from towns, leading to a complete ceasefire in two days, which opposition groups are also expected to follow. But the Syrian government has said it will only stick to the deal if rebel groups guarantee in writing that they will stop fighting, which they have refused to do.