Russian President Valdimir Putin has ordered the creation of humanitarian corridor in Syria's Eastern Ghouta enclave. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said location details would be released soon.

"It’s high time to stop this hell on earth.” António Guterres United Nations Secretary General

The rebel-held area has been under intense bombardment by Syrian government forces for over a week.

At the weekend, the United Nations security council voted unanimously for the implementation of a month-long ceasefire to begin "without delay".

The violence has continued unabated, however, with tens of civilians reported killed since then, and onlookers frustrated by the UN's inability to back-up its resolution.

Syrian President Assad's regime is backed by the Russians, who therefore have the power to enforce the ceasefire, which it is hoped will offer a brief period of respite to civilians between 9 am and 2pm each day.