UNRWA appeals for US$ 15.5 million to address emerging needs from conflict in the Ein El Hilweh Palestine Refugee camp in Lebanon

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BEIRUT,

UNRWA is seeking US$ 15.5 million for its multi-sectoral emergency response, following the armed clashes that took place in the Ein El Hilweh Palestine Refugee camp in southern Lebanon between 29 July and 3 August.

Four days of violence among Palestinian armed groups in the camp left 13 people killed and over 60 injured. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee their homes that were damaged or destroyed. All eight UNRWA schools, providing education for 5,900 children, have been occupied by armed militants and severely damaged. Materials have been looted and the two school compounds transformed into bases for the militants themselves. At the launch of this appeal, all eight schools remain occupied by militants, even after UNRWA reiterated its urgent call to all armed groups to immediately vacate its premises.  

“None of the eight UNRWA schools will be available for the children at the beginning of the new academic year. Damages have been significant and the conflict in the camp is unresolved. With fighters continuing to occupy UNRWA schools, they remain too insecure and off limits for school children," said Dorothee Klaus, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon.

This appeal seeks to safeguard the education of 5,900 school children that must return to school on 2 October. UNRWA is therefore preparing alternative schooling locations outside the camp. The hosting of additional thousands of children requires upgrading and adjustment of facilities, and adequate learning and psycho-social support for all.

The appeal, moreover, includes further stabilization measures, repair and relief interventions, such as the provision of cash assistance for conflict-affected Palestine Refugees in the area, one-off emergency cash support to families who lost their homes in the conflict, repair and maintenance of critical public infrastructure, including water supply and electricity networks. Provisions are also made for rubble removal and awareness-raising among residents of the camp and adjacent areas about the harm posed by unexploded ordnances and other remnants of war.

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Notes to Editors

• Ein El Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestine Refugee camps in Lebanon, located in Saida in southern Lebanon;
• UNRWA provides services to nearly 50,000 Palestine Refugees in the camp;
• The Agency has resumed its services in the accessible areas of the camp as of 8 August. It is running a health centre, collecting solid waste, supplying fuel for water pumping stations, and aiding refugees at its relief office. Additionally, a temporary clinic has been established in a nearby UNRWA school to enhance capacity.
• UNRWA is asking for US$ 160 million for Lebanon as part of the 2023 Syria, Lebanon and Jordan Emergency Appeal;
• In August, UNRWA updated its Flash Appeal in support of Palestine Refugees in Syria and Lebanon affected by the February earthquakes and aftershocks.
• At the time of release, UNRWA faces a funding shortfall of between US$ 170 million and US$ 190 million to maintain all services in 2023 and without carrying forward debts and liabilities into 2024.