Four killed and more than 60 injured amid heavy violence in Ein El-Hilweh refugee camp: Reports of hundreds fleeing - urgent calls for an immediate halt in hostilities
STATEMENT FROM DOROTHÉE KLAUS, DIRECTOR OF UNRWA AFFAIRS IN LEBANON
BEIRUT
”Heavy violence resumed in Ein El Hilweh camp on the night of 7 September breaking a four-week fragile ceasefire. At least four people were reportedly killed and more than 60 injured. Hundreds of families have reportedly fled the camp to the nearby city of Sidon in search of safety.
“UNRWA, with partners, is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs. We opened shelters in schools and other facilities to accommodate over 750 displaced people as fighting and heavy destruction of homes and facilities continues across the camp.
“Meanwhile, armed groups continue to take over eight UNRWA schools which provide education for 5,900 Palestine Refugee children. We continue to receive horrific reports of extensive damage to the schools and education material meant for children. UNRWA is currently exploring alternatives to accommodate children from Ein El Hilweh camp so they start the school year with their peers on 2 October and do not miss on their right to education.
“UNRWA calls on all parties and those with influence over them to stop the violence. Until then, those fighting should protect civilians, including children, wherever they are in the camp. They should refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure including schools and medical facilities.”
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UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency’s area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
