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France has called for an immediate United Nations Security Council meeting on Aleppo, voanews.com reported.

In a statement, French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said "More than ever, there is an urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance" for residents of the besieged city.

The United Nations says as many as 16,000 civilians have fled eastern Aleppo in recent days following Syrian government advances.

Aleppo has been a major focus of Syrian military efforts. The situation there has also raised international concerns, with an estimated 250,000 civilians trapped in a government siege in need of food and medical aid.

Meanwhile, according to Sana agency, Syrian army units in Aleppo have achieved new advances in their operations against positions of militants and restored security and stability in the neighborhoods of al-Haidaria and al-Sakhour, al-Inzarat, Sheikh Khudre, Mahalej factories, Suleiman al-Halabi station and a large part of Bustan al-Basha in the eastern part of the city.