Russia and Syria say they have opened humanitarian corridors into eastern Aleppo to allow for the distribution of aid and to give residents -- along with rebels who choose to surrender -- a chance to leave.
They say that both civilians, and rebel fighters who have laid down arms, have used these routes -- although the figures they give are a fraction of those believed to be in besieged Aleppo.
Residents of eastern Aleppo and international observers say the corridors do not appear to be in wide use, with people skeptical of government assurances for their safety.
Abu Nizar Firas, a resident of eastern Aleppo, said the corridors were not safe, and it was impossible for young men to leave.
"These are imaginary corridors, false corridors only to show the international community that they are working on humanitarian issues with the Russian side," he said.
"Everyone who went there found out that they are very dangerous for crossing."
Jan Egeland, humanitarian adviser to the U.N. envoy to Syria, told CNN he thought few people were leaving via the corridors. The United Nations has called for an international humanitarian operation to relieve areas under attack, involving a 48-hour break in fighting agreed to by all parties.