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Islamic state fighters have been trying to take control of the densely built-up Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, which is in the suburbs of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The UN estimates some 18,000 civilians are trapped there and concern is growing for their plight.

"The horror continues and the levels of humanity continue to descend further. What we need to do now, quite frankly, is to avoid a slaughter of the innocents because there are 3,500 children in Yarmouk and their lives are in immediate danger," said Chris Gunness spokesman for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

UNRWA usually supplies aid to the camp but has had to withdraw amid the fighting. Mr Gunness also called for political action saying "international law and the UN charter is very clear: civilian life must be spared in times of war".