World leaders agree to Syrian ceasefire in Munich

World leaders have agreed to work towards a ‘cessation of hostilities’ in Syria after talks in Munich, Germany. 17 members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed to seek a ceasefire to conflict the which has been going for almost five years and has reportedly left 250,000 dead and 13.5 million displaced from their homes. In addition to the ceasefire, the ISSG also agreed to increased aid deliveries into besieged areas of Syria, which could begin within the next 24 hours. Some besieged areas have reportedly not received aid for over a year due to the hostilities. The halt will not apply to to action against extremist groups, including ISIL, al-Nusra Front and other UN-designated terrorist groups. A US/Russian led taskforce will work to achieve the ‘cessation of hostilities’, but US Secretary of State John Kerry has admitted the ceasefire plan is ‘ambitious’. The Syrian government has not yet responded to the agreement, but a key rebel coalition has reportedly welcomed it, saying action on the ground could lead to peace talks in Geneva between the government and rebels.