In Syria, 37 people have been killed in airstrikes carried out by government forces in eastern Ghouta while a ceasefire is likely to be effective from tonight.

Rescuers say casualties were from an airstrike that hit an underground shelter in the town of Arbeen.

Rebel spokesman Wael Oweilan said today that negotiations with Russia will follow to allow for the evacuation of civilians from the area.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Syrians have moved out of besieged town of Douma in eastern Ghouta, heading to safety in the nearby capital, Damascus.

Syrian State news agency SANA says over 4,000 men, women and children left today. (AP)