"We call for lifting the blockade and economic sanctions imposed against Syria to eliminate the consequences of the devastating earthquake... we need heavy equipment, ambulances and fire crews to speed up search and rescue operations. To do this, it is necessary to lift sanctions from Syria as soon as possible," Hbubati said during a press conference.
A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake with several powerful aftershocks rattled parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, toppling thousands of homes and killing over 4,000 in both countries. International organisations and world leaders have offered assistance to the Turkish and Syrian authorities to address the consequences of the disaster.
Friends in Need
Both the Syrian and Turkish presidents said they were offered and had accepted assistance from Russia. The Kremlin said that specialised Russian teams will soon head to Syria to aid the rescue efforts.
Currently, the Russian military in Syria is assisting in rescue and assistance efforts following Monday's deadly earthquakes, including in the cities of Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and the settlements of Jeble, Stamou, and Bustan El Basha.
A mobile group of Russian military medics is also on duty at the Khmeimim airbase.
Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement that the well-being of thousands of children and families in Turkey and Syria remains at risk following two catastrophic earthquakes.
"Thousands of homes are likely to have been destroyed, displacing families and exposing them to the elements at a time of year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow and freezing rain are common," the statement said. "Heavy snowstorms have also recently hit parts of Syria and Turkey, with further sub-zero temperatures forecasted."
The death toll is expected to climb as more bodies are being recovered from the rubble.
Worst Quake Since 1939: Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the earthquake was the most powerful to hit his country in more than eight decades.
He declared a national mourning in the country until February 12.
The historic Gaziantep Castle in Turkey and the Aleppo citadel in Syria, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were also hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday morning.