UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday authorizing cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians in rebel-held areas in desperate need of food and medicine, without government approval.

U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said several weeks ago that opening these routes could help 1.3 million Syrians — and her office said Monday that if security allows, aid could reach 2.9 million people.