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Violence in Ein El Hilweh Camp

05 August 2023

Recent armed conflict between Palestinian militants in Ein El Hilweh Camp has resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including one civilian. Over 50 people have been injured and some 2,000 Palestine Refugees have been forced to flee their homes.

The Agency’s response has been swift, with two of its schools in Saida opened temporarily to host those displaced from the camp. As of 3 August, more than 600 people have sought shelter in UNRWA schools, over 350 children. UNRWA social workers and school counsellors are providing psychosocial support for displaced families. UNRWA partners are providing food and non-food relief items support. The Agency is also providing fuel to the only operating hospital in the area.

Early reports describe heavy damage to civilian infrastructure in the camp and in the adjacent areas, with the violence spilling into the neighboring city of Saida. A large UNRWA school complex – which serves 3,200 Palestine Refugee children - has been used in the conflict. While a ceasefire was reached on the evening of 1 August, fighting broke out once more the following evening. Continue reading to hear from Palestine Refugees taking shelter an UNRWA school shelter.

#HearTheirVoices

Shadia, is a Palestine Refugee who sought refuge with her children at the UNRWA Askalan School in Mieh Mieh camp. Shadia is continually burdened by preoccupation and fear for the safety of her children given the recurring conflict in Ein El Hilweh camp. Hayat, a Palestine Refugee in her sixties, looks back on the many clashes she has witnessed throughout her life in Ein El Hilweh camp. She recalls one clash in 2017, when she was displaced. The recurring violence has once again led to her flee. "My name is Hayat, life in Arabic, but this is no hayat, it’s hell,” she said. Ritan's mother, a Palestine Refugee living in Ein El Hilweh, washes a milk bottle and voices her frustration at the current situation, "I came here because it is safer than staying in the camp. There is still a price to pay—there's no dignity, no privacy.” She fervently hopes for a swift return to her home. Rayan, is a Palestine Refugee child living in Ein El Hilweh. He expressed his deep frustration at not being able to participate in the summer activities he had been looking forward to, finding himself displaced and seeking shelter in an UNRWA school instead, due to the ongoing conflict.

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