Syrian troops intensified shelling of rebel-held neighbourhoods in central Homs yesterday, according to activists who say humanitarian conditions are growing more dire and are pressing for the evacuation of 1,000 families and dozens of wounded people who can’t get adequate medical care.

Syrian government forces pounded areas in the central province of Homs today in a renewed push to regain control of rebel-held territories, and activists said at least 38 people were killed in shelling there over the past 24 hours.