Activists and fighters trapped in the opposition's last sliver of territory in Aleppo said pro-government forces had struck their district with dozens of rockets since mid-morning.

U.N. reports the safe withdrawal of people from the besieged area was now "imminent."

The pope asked Assad "to ensure that international humanitarian law is fully respected with regard to the protection of the civilians and access to humanitarian aid."

Those killed were mostly women and children. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday.

The U.N. human rights office in Geneva said that multiple sources reported that tens of civilians were shot dead on Monday.

“I am very aware that my ethnicity is dying.”