TheThose people who lived in Omar's neighborhood are just a small fraction of those who have been killed or injured since the uprisings began. It is estimated that anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 people have been killed since January of last year. <!--Arabstoday January 24, 2011--> As a result, on February 20, the {{w|International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement}} announced it was attempting to negotiate a cease fire between the Syrian government and the Free Syrian Army in order "to facilitate swift Syrian Arab Red Crescent and ICRC access to the people in need." The organization wants troops to halt their attacks in cities that have seen the most fighting in order to deliver care packages. Bijan Farnoudi, a spokesman for the Red Cross said that discussions include "several possibilities" in which the packages can be delivered. Though the organization has been delivering food and supplies to as many cities and citizens as possible, heavy fighting in areas such as the Baba Amr district of Homs, has made it increasingly difficult for aide to be delivered. Even while the Red Cross works to negotiate a cease fire, reports out of Homs on February 20 say Syrian forces are amassing troops and tanks outside the city in preparation for an all out ground invasion. According to Omar, the "bombings" continued., but on February 24, the Red Cross announced that it was allowed to begin evacuating injured women and children from the city.<!--BBC News February 20; Associated Press February 20 The Telegraph Feb 24-->
