Syria's Minister for National Reconciliation has held a meeting with representatives from besieged areas, such as Madaya, Fouaa, and Kefraya, in search for a solution to the humanitarian suffering in those areas.

The minister, Ali Haidar, said they discussed the possibility of lifting the siege by exchanging control rights of the areas in the name of "national reconciliation." Haidar also said rebel forces are to blame for delaying the process of reconciliation.

Seige tactics used by all sides in Syria's complicated civil war has trapped many communities, making them beyond the reach of humanitarian aid. According to UN data released in January, over 4.8 million Syrians live in 18 besieged areas around the country.