UN Crisis Coordinator in Ukraine Amin Awad called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Mariupol to evacuate civilians.

It is reported by The Guardian.

“In Mariupol, the lives of tens of thousands are at stake, including women, children and the elderly. We need a break between fights right now to save lives,” Awad said in a statement..

The UN coordinator stressed that " They need to be allowed to safely evacuate now, today.

Tomorrow may be too late"

A UN statement said that approximately 100,000. civilians are trapped in Mariupol, which has been heavily bombed during weeks of siege by Russian troops.

Awad said Orthodox Easter, celebrated in both Russia and Ukraine, provided an opportunity to end hostilities..

“During a rare calendar coincidence of the religious holidays of Orthodox Easter, Passover and Ramadan, it’s time to focus on our common humanity, setting aside differences,” stressed the UN coordinator for the crisis in Ukraine.