The Syrian Government will “very shortly” open up 2 more border crossings to allow international aid into the country following last week’s devastating earthquakes, the United Nations confirmed yesterday. This morning, the death toll sits at more than 40,000 people in Turkey (35,418) and Syria (5,500). It follows growing public anger about the lack of aid received by the war-torn country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has blamed the aid delay on the impact of Western sanctions – international aid groups disagree, blaming the Assad Government’s mismanagement and refusal to engage with rebel-controlled northern parts of the country. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said opening the border crossings in Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee on the border with Turkey will ​​”make a big difference”. Currently, there is just one access point into the country.