The European Commission announced a new humanitarian air bridge operation in Syria and an increase in aid funding to €163mn ($177mn) for 2024 on December 13.

The country is grappling with heightened humanitarian challenges following recent political changes since the Al-Assad regime was removed from power on December 7.

The operation will deliver 50 tonnes of health supplies from EU stockpiles in Dubai to Adana, Turkey, for cross-border distribution into Syria, the Commission said.

An additional 46 tonnes of supplies from Denmark will be transported by road for distribution by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

"The collapse of the Assad regime offers new hope for the Syrian people. But this moment of change also carries risks and brings hardship," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, announcing an additional €4mn in emergency funding.

The Commission has earmarked new funds for trauma kits, emergency shelter supplies, and food parcels expected to reach 61,500 people in northern Syria.

The aid comes as more than 560,000 people have sought refuge in Syria from escalating hostilities in neighbouring Lebanon.

"As we witness a historic change that might offer opportunities to reach peace and stability for people in Syria finally, we must not lose sight of the humanitarian consequences of intensifying hostilities," said Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.

According to Commission figures, the EU and its member states have provided more than €33.3 billion in humanitarian, development, and stabilisation assistance to Syrians since the conflict began 13 years ago.

Von der Leyen said she plans to discuss further aid measures with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the EU seeks to maintain humanitarian access amid shifting political dynamics.