(VOVworld) – A Palestinian Authority envoy to the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus said Thursday that Palestinian factions have agreed to join forces with the Syrian government to expel Islamic State militants from the camp.

Residents wait to receive food aid distributed by the Al-Wafaa campaign at the besieged al-Yarmouk camp, south of Damascus April 1, 2014. (Photo: Reuters / Rame Alsayed)

Addressing a press conference in Damascus, Ahmad Majdalani, the Palestinian Authority’s Labour Minister, said a military solution is the only way to oust IS extremists from Yarmouk, which has been under control of IS forces since last week.

Majdalani said the Syrian government has agreed to ensure the safety of Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk and provide shelters outside the area.

The International Committee of the Red Cross joined a growing number of groups calling for immediate access for humanitarian aid to Yarmouk.

The ICRC asked all parties to open a safe passage for humanitarian aid and to permit civilians to flee Yarmouk.