23 jan 2013
Three Palestinians killed in clashes in Syria's refugee camps
The action group for the Palestinians in Syria said three Palestinian refugees were killed in different refugee camps, which see ongoing shelling and clashes every day. According to the action group on Wednesday, a four-year old boy Abdullah Shihabi, from Al-Yarmouk refugee camp, was shot dead in his head during his presence on a farm in Khan Al-Sheikh refugee camp where violent armed clashes broke out between the free Syrian army and the regime forces.
The other two Palestinians were killed in shelling incidents in the refugee camps of Husseiniyeh and Dara'h.
The group affirmed that the Syrian regime forces is still imposing a tight blockade on the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, especially the camps of Al-Yarmouk, Dara'h and Husseiniyeh.
The other two Palestinians were killed in shelling incidents in the refugee camps of Husseiniyeh and Dara'h.
The group affirmed that the Syrian regime forces is still imposing a tight blockade on the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, especially the camps of Al-Yarmouk, Dara'h and Husseiniyeh.
22 jan 2013
UNRWA: Sharp rise in children suffering post-war traumas in Gaza
The UNRWA said the incidence of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Gaza Strip has risen by more than 100 percent following the last Israel war. It added that the number of Gazans it was treating from November to December for psychological traumas had doubled, 42 percent of them are under age nine.
These UNRWA statistics agrees with the findings of a recent survey on Gazan children conducted by the UNICEF, which found sharp rises in conflict-related psychological disturbances.
"These figures represent a significant rise in mental health problems," Akihiro Seita, director of the UNRWA’s health program said. "From my experience, I would say this is evidence of a psychological trauma and PTSD epidemic.
"Remember that these statistics do not reflect our anecdotal evidence, which suggests there are a huge number of unreported cases," Seita added.
"On my first visit to Gaza after the war, I was overwhelmed by how much mothers and children suffered from the sheer scale and magnitude of the bombardments. All the mothers I met in UNRWA’s health centers said their children behaved differently during and after the war. Some don’t sleep well, some do not eat well, and some do not speak well. It is heart-breaking," she stressed.
These UNRWA statistics agrees with the findings of a recent survey on Gazan children conducted by the UNICEF, which found sharp rises in conflict-related psychological disturbances.
"These figures represent a significant rise in mental health problems," Akihiro Seita, director of the UNRWA’s health program said. "From my experience, I would say this is evidence of a psychological trauma and PTSD epidemic.
"Remember that these statistics do not reflect our anecdotal evidence, which suggests there are a huge number of unreported cases," Seita added.
"On my first visit to Gaza after the war, I was overwhelmed by how much mothers and children suffered from the sheer scale and magnitude of the bombardments. All the mothers I met in UNRWA’s health centers said their children behaved differently during and after the war. Some don’t sleep well, some do not eat well, and some do not speak well. It is heart-breaking," she stressed.
Israel refuses the entry of Palestinian refugees from Syria into West Bank
The Israeli government denied receiving an official request from the Palestinian Authority to allow entry of 150 Palestinian refugees from Syria into the West Bank. Israeli media sources said that PA chief Mahmoud Abbas had tabled a request with the Israeli government to allow the entry of those refugees from Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, which came under repeated military strikes.
However, an official statement by the office of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that Israel did not and would never accept entry of those refugees.
Abbas last month said that he was prepared to receive those refugees, who were caught in the middle of the ongoing internal fighting in Syria, and asked the UN to help in organizing their crossing into the West Bank.
Around one thousand Palestinian refugees were killed in the civil war in that Arab country that has been raging for almost two years. Around half a million Palestinian refugees live in Syria.
However, an official statement by the office of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that Israel did not and would never accept entry of those refugees.
Abbas last month said that he was prepared to receive those refugees, who were caught in the middle of the ongoing internal fighting in Syria, and asked the UN to help in organizing their crossing into the West Bank.
Around one thousand Palestinian refugees were killed in the civil war in that Arab country that has been raging for almost two years. Around half a million Palestinian refugees live in Syria.
Three more Palestinian refugees killed in Syria
The action group for the Palestinians in Syria said three Palestinian refugees were killed on Monday by Syrian regime forces in refugee camps. The action group stated that the three Palestinian civilians were killed in Syrian gunfire and shelling in the refugee camps of Al-Yarmouk and Darah.
The group added that armed clashes took place on Monday morning at the entrances to Al-Yarmouk camp, noting that some Palestinian families returned to the camp after they failed to find safe havens or better places to stay in.
In a related incident, a Palestinian medical delegation led by health minister Basem Naim left Gaza on Monday on their way to the Syrian-Turkish borders to provide medical assistance to the wounded Palestinians and Syrians.
Naim told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the delegation is composed on eight doctors leaving on a humanitarian mission on behalf of the Palestinian people to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
The group added that armed clashes took place on Monday morning at the entrances to Al-Yarmouk camp, noting that some Palestinian families returned to the camp after they failed to find safe havens or better places to stay in.
In a related incident, a Palestinian medical delegation led by health minister Basem Naim left Gaza on Monday on their way to the Syrian-Turkish borders to provide medical assistance to the wounded Palestinians and Syrians.
Naim told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the delegation is composed on eight doctors leaving on a humanitarian mission on behalf of the Palestinian people to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA employees escalate protests
The union of UNRWA employees in Gaza announced on Monday that the staffers would go on strike next Tuesday if their demands were not met. Suhail Al-Hindi, the chairman of the union, said in a statement on Monday that the staffers demand an increase in UNRWA’s contribution to the Savings Fund and the implementation of the insurance and pension systems.
Hindi said that the staffers tabled other demands relating to the rights of teachers and workers, warning that if the UNRWA administration did not meet their demands they would start their strike next Tuesday.
Hindi said that the staffers tabled other demands relating to the rights of teachers and workers, warning that if the UNRWA administration did not meet their demands they would start their strike next Tuesday.
21 jan 2013
Issa: The idea of the Jewish state goes against the right of return
The Islamic Christian commission for patronizing Jerusalem and holy sites said that any Palestinian or Arab recognition of Israel as a Jewish state goes against the principle of the right of return and would torpedo all Palestinian rights. This came in a press release issued by secretary-general of the commission Hanna Issa, a specialist in international law, in response to recent remarks by Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu who said that the Palestinians' recognition of Israel as a Jewish state would not be enough for Israel to agree on the establishment of the Palestinian state.
Netanyahu also said that the Palestinians should, rather, change their upbringing methods they use to raise their children first and stop their propaganda against Israel and its Jewish people in order for their state to exist.
Issa stressed that the mere idea of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state poses a threat to the Palestinian cause, and would deprives the Palestinian natives of the 1948 occupied lands of their right to stay in their homeland and legitimize all Israel's racist laws against them.
He added that Israel uses the slogan of the Jewish state persistently for it is the most effective way to end the Palestinian refugees' right to return to their homeland and erase this right from the UN agendas, especially the resolution 194 issued by the UN general assembly in 1948.
Netanyahu want to weaken the 1948 Palestinians demographically and politically and to strengthen the Jewish identity of Israel, Issa stated.
In a related context, the Hamas Movement's department of refugee affairs called on the Palestinian authority in the West Bank and the government in Gaza to declare 2013 a year for the refugees and their right to return.
Head of the department Isam Idwan stated on Sunday that this appeal was made in light of the tragic living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.
Netanyahu also said that the Palestinians should, rather, change their upbringing methods they use to raise their children first and stop their propaganda against Israel and its Jewish people in order for their state to exist.
Issa stressed that the mere idea of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state poses a threat to the Palestinian cause, and would deprives the Palestinian natives of the 1948 occupied lands of their right to stay in their homeland and legitimize all Israel's racist laws against them.
He added that Israel uses the slogan of the Jewish state persistently for it is the most effective way to end the Palestinian refugees' right to return to their homeland and erase this right from the UN agendas, especially the resolution 194 issued by the UN general assembly in 1948.
Netanyahu want to weaken the 1948 Palestinians demographically and politically and to strengthen the Jewish identity of Israel, Issa stated.
In a related context, the Hamas Movement's department of refugee affairs called on the Palestinian authority in the West Bank and the government in Gaza to declare 2013 a year for the refugees and their right to return.
Head of the department Isam Idwan stated on Sunday that this appeal was made in light of the tragic living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.
40 Palestinian martyrs in Syria during a week
The international working group for Palestinian refugees in Syria issued a statistical report documenting the Palestinian martyrs' numbers ad names who were martyred in Syria during the past week. The report, which covers the period between 12 January 2013 and 18 January 2013, confirmed that 40 Palestinian refugees were martyred in Syria during a week, including a large number of children, women and elderly.
On Saturday January 12, seven Palestinians were martyred in Syria, including a 3 year old toddler and a Palestinian activist in the Palestinian memory, during clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the regime's army in Yarmouk and Husseiniya refugee camps in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Moreover, on Sunday 5 Palestinian refugees were martyred in different parts of Palestinian refugee camps in Syria by sniper fire, while 4 other Palestinians were martyred on Monday in the shelling on the Yarmouk and Husseiniya camps.
On Tuesday, 3 Palestinians were killed by sniper fire, while 4 others were martyred on Wednesday in light of the stifling living crisis in camps of Khan al-Shih, Neirab, and Husseiniya.
On Thursday, 13 Palestinian refugees were martyred including 7 children during a terrible massacre in Husseiniya camp by the Syrian regime's warplanes.
On Friday, four Palestinian martyrs were reported in Syria when Syrian warplanes bombed the Faculty of Architecture in Aleppo University, in light of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime on Yarmuk camp for the twenty-seventh day in a row.
On Saturday January 12, seven Palestinians were martyred in Syria, including a 3 year old toddler and a Palestinian activist in the Palestinian memory, during clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the regime's army in Yarmouk and Husseiniya refugee camps in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Moreover, on Sunday 5 Palestinian refugees were martyred in different parts of Palestinian refugee camps in Syria by sniper fire, while 4 other Palestinians were martyred on Monday in the shelling on the Yarmouk and Husseiniya camps.
On Tuesday, 3 Palestinians were killed by sniper fire, while 4 others were martyred on Wednesday in light of the stifling living crisis in camps of Khan al-Shih, Neirab, and Husseiniya.
On Thursday, 13 Palestinian refugees were martyred including 7 children during a terrible massacre in Husseiniya camp by the Syrian regime's warplanes.
On Friday, four Palestinian martyrs were reported in Syria when Syrian warplanes bombed the Faculty of Architecture in Aleppo University, in light of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime on Yarmuk camp for the twenty-seventh day in a row.
19 jan 2013
UNRWA condemns the killing of Palestinian refugees in Syria
UNRWA spokesman Sami Mshasha has condemned the killing of Palestinian refugees and other civilians in Syria. Mshasha, in a press release on Friday, said that UNRWA received reports on the death of a number of Palestinian refugees in the ongoing violence in Syria, adding that women and children were among the casualties.
He reiterated the international agency’s appeal to all parties concerned to necessarily withdraw from all civilian regions, including refugee camps, and to live up to commitments to the international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, and to solve differences via dialogue and political negotiations.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria had said that around 900 Palestinians were killed in Syria since the eruption of the armed conflict there less than two years ago.
He reiterated the international agency’s appeal to all parties concerned to necessarily withdraw from all civilian regions, including refugee camps, and to live up to commitments to the international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, and to solve differences via dialogue and political negotiations.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria had said that around 900 Palestinians were killed in Syria since the eruption of the armed conflict there less than two years ago.
18 jan 2013
13 Palestinian refugees killed in Syria on Friday
Thirteen Palestinian refugees were killed on Friday in Syria, most of whom during explosion of a car bomb near the Hussein mosque in the center of Daraa refugee camp. Palestinian activists said that twelve Palestinians, including three children, died and dozens were wounded in the explosion of a car bomb while the worshipers were leaving the Hussein mosque in the center of Daraa camp.
A Palestinian youth was also killed by a bullet fired by a sniper at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp, southern the Syrian capital Damascus.
A young woman, from the Neirab camp's residents, had been killed a few days ago during an aerial shelling on the University of Aleppo, while another had died after a mortar shell fell on her house in the area of Jobar in Rural Damascus.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria pointed out that the Syrian regime forces have been imposing a siege on the Yarmouk refugee camp for the 27th consecutive day, and preventing the entry and exit of the camp residents, as well as the entry of food or medical materials.
The group said in a press statement that the Yarmouk refugee camp has witnessed violent clashes between groups of Syria's free army and the regular army.
Meanwhile, Husseiniyeh camp has witnessed violent shelling and clashes between groups of the free army and the regular army, which caused a number of casualties.
The group also confirmed that al-Hol camp in city of al-Hasakah was subjected to Syrian airstrikes, adding that no casualties were reported.
It stressed that the camp residents are suffering from poor living conditions in light of the continued power outages and the acute shortage of food and medical supplies.
UNRWA Denounces Killing Of 12 Palestinians In Damascus
The United Nations Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA) strongly denounced the death of twelve Palestinian refugees, mainly children, during clashes between gunmen and members of the Syrian army.
The UNRWA urged all parties to withdraw from civilians areas, including refugee camps, and to ensure the protection of the civilians at all times.
It called on all conflicting parties “to resolve their differences through political negotiations.
The UNRWA said that armed clashes in Al-Husseini area, south of Damascus, leading to the death of at least twelve Palestinian refugees, including children, while at least twenty others have been injured.
Eleven of the slain Palestinian refugees have been identified as Manar Mustafa (Child), Shaima’ Raed (Child), Manal (Teen), Nour Al-Shoury (Child), Mona Abdullah, Jamila (elderly), Mohammad Adel Abdullah, Reem Abdullah (Child), Hanin Abdullah (Child), Samar Abdullah (Child), and Hala Abdullah (Child).
Approximately 870 Palestinians have been killed since the confrontations started in Syria, while thousands have been injured, in different refugee camps, including Al-Yarmouk refugee camp.
A Palestinian youth was also killed by a bullet fired by a sniper at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp, southern the Syrian capital Damascus.
A young woman, from the Neirab camp's residents, had been killed a few days ago during an aerial shelling on the University of Aleppo, while another had died after a mortar shell fell on her house in the area of Jobar in Rural Damascus.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria pointed out that the Syrian regime forces have been imposing a siege on the Yarmouk refugee camp for the 27th consecutive day, and preventing the entry and exit of the camp residents, as well as the entry of food or medical materials.
The group said in a press statement that the Yarmouk refugee camp has witnessed violent clashes between groups of Syria's free army and the regular army.
Meanwhile, Husseiniyeh camp has witnessed violent shelling and clashes between groups of the free army and the regular army, which caused a number of casualties.
The group also confirmed that al-Hol camp in city of al-Hasakah was subjected to Syrian airstrikes, adding that no casualties were reported.
It stressed that the camp residents are suffering from poor living conditions in light of the continued power outages and the acute shortage of food and medical supplies.
UNRWA Denounces Killing Of 12 Palestinians In Damascus
The United Nations Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA) strongly denounced the death of twelve Palestinian refugees, mainly children, during clashes between gunmen and members of the Syrian army.
The UNRWA urged all parties to withdraw from civilians areas, including refugee camps, and to ensure the protection of the civilians at all times.
It called on all conflicting parties “to resolve their differences through political negotiations.
The UNRWA said that armed clashes in Al-Husseini area, south of Damascus, leading to the death of at least twelve Palestinian refugees, including children, while at least twenty others have been injured.
Eleven of the slain Palestinian refugees have been identified as Manar Mustafa (Child), Shaima’ Raed (Child), Manal (Teen), Nour Al-Shoury (Child), Mona Abdullah, Jamila (elderly), Mohammad Adel Abdullah, Reem Abdullah (Child), Hanin Abdullah (Child), Samar Abdullah (Child), and Hala Abdullah (Child).
Approximately 870 Palestinians have been killed since the confrontations started in Syria, while thousands have been injured, in different refugee camps, including Al-Yarmouk refugee camp.
17 jan 2013
Four Palestinian refugees killed in Syria on Wednesday including teenager
Four Palestinian refugees were killed in war-ravished Syria on Wednesday at the hands of snipers in Damascus and Diraa. Eyewitnesses told the PIC that Ahmed Ali Ahmed, a member of the Palestine liberation army stationed in Syria, was killed by a sniper near Yarmouk refugee camp while on his way back from his place of service in Darayya refugee camp.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said that Khalil Al-Ali, 18, was killed at the hands of a sniper in one of Yarmouk camp’s streets while two others in Diraa refugee camp were killed there at the hands of snipers as well.
It said that shelling intensified on the Husseiniya refugee camp prompting many of its inhabitants to seek shelter outside it, while the tight siege imposed by the Syrian regular army on Yarmouk refugee camp continued for the 25th day running.
The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said that Khalil Al-Ali, 18, was killed at the hands of a sniper in one of Yarmouk camp’s streets while two others in Diraa refugee camp were killed there at the hands of snipers as well.
It said that shelling intensified on the Husseiniya refugee camp prompting many of its inhabitants to seek shelter outside it, while the tight siege imposed by the Syrian regular army on Yarmouk refugee camp continued for the 25th day running.
16 jan 2013
Three more Palestinian refugees killed in Syria
Three Palestinians were killed in the Yarmouk refugee camp, south of Damascus, and two other areas on Tuesday at the hands of snipers. Sources said that Motez Juara was killed while trying to protect his nephew from sniper fire in Yarmouk camp while Hassan Hamed was killed by another sniper in Barza, and Saeed Al-Ruz was also killed by a sniper at the airport road while returning to Husseiniya refugee camp.
Meanwhile, the Yarmouk refugee camp came under heavy shelling on Tuesday night as shells slammed into five different streets and Takadum neighborhood.
PIC reporter in the camp said that a woman was injured on Wednesday morning when she was trying to exit the camp while violent artillery exchanges were taking place between the Syrian regular and free armies.
The reporter pointed out that the Syrian regular army was still clamping a tight siege on Yarmouk refugee camp for the 24th day with no foodstuff, medicines, or fuel allowed access.
Meanwhile, the Yarmouk refugee camp came under heavy shelling on Tuesday night as shells slammed into five different streets and Takadum neighborhood.
PIC reporter in the camp said that a woman was injured on Wednesday morning when she was trying to exit the camp while violent artillery exchanges were taking place between the Syrian regular and free armies.
The reporter pointed out that the Syrian regular army was still clamping a tight siege on Yarmouk refugee camp for the 24th day with no foodstuff, medicines, or fuel allowed access.
E.U. Approves €100 M. To P.A., UNRWA
The European Union has decided to grant the Palestinian Authority (P.A.), in the West Bank, and the UNRWA, €100 Million so that they can continue to provide essential services to the Palestinians.
In its statement, the European Commission reported that the decision of the European Union to provide assistance to the Palestinian people has two sections.
“€60 Million will be granted to the PEGASE mechanism that provides assistance to the National Development plan of the P.A. by helping it finance its budget deficit, and implement its reform agenda”, the Commission said.
This includes paying late salaries to civil employees, pensioners, low income and poor Palestinians, and helping the P.A in providing essential public services.
The amount, according to the EU statement, will help the P.A. pay salaries and pensions for the first three months of this year.
The second part of this aid (€40 M.) will be granted to the UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) so that it can continue its health, relief, education and social services programs for the Palestinian refugees not only in Palestine, but also is Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
The EU also said that there will be an extra aid package meant to help Palestinians in “Area C” of the occupied West bank, under full Israeli control.
“It is currently impossible for the Palestinians there, and for international donors, to obtain construction permits for the Palestinians”, it stated.
This is happening while Israel is rapidly escalating the construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
In its statement, the European Commission reported that the decision of the European Union to provide assistance to the Palestinian people has two sections.
“€60 Million will be granted to the PEGASE mechanism that provides assistance to the National Development plan of the P.A. by helping it finance its budget deficit, and implement its reform agenda”, the Commission said.
This includes paying late salaries to civil employees, pensioners, low income and poor Palestinians, and helping the P.A in providing essential public services.
The amount, according to the EU statement, will help the P.A. pay salaries and pensions for the first three months of this year.
The second part of this aid (€40 M.) will be granted to the UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) so that it can continue its health, relief, education and social services programs for the Palestinian refugees not only in Palestine, but also is Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
The EU also said that there will be an extra aid package meant to help Palestinians in “Area C” of the occupied West bank, under full Israeli control.
“It is currently impossible for the Palestinians there, and for international donors, to obtain construction permits for the Palestinians”, it stated.
This is happening while Israel is rapidly escalating the construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
15 jan 2013
Four Palestinians killed in Syria amidst continuing shelling of refugee camps
Four Palestinian refugees were killed in Syria on Monday in the ongoing fighting between the Syrian regular and free armies. The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said in a statement on Tuesday that two were killed in shelling on the Yarmouk refugee camp’s Aish Al-Warwar area to the south of the Syrian capital.
The third succumbed to burns sustained ten days ago in shelling on Maliha area while the fourth was killed in clashes in Dariya at the outskirts of Damascus.
The group said that a number of shells slammed into Yarmouk refugee camp, which is still under tight siege for the 23rd day, adding that the bakeries have stopped working in the camp for the third day running.
It said that violent shelling targeted the Husseiniya refugee camp all night long Monday, adding that many of its suburbs suffered long hours of power outage in addition to a halt to wireless and internet services.
The third succumbed to burns sustained ten days ago in shelling on Maliha area while the fourth was killed in clashes in Dariya at the outskirts of Damascus.
The group said that a number of shells slammed into Yarmouk refugee camp, which is still under tight siege for the 23rd day, adding that the bakeries have stopped working in the camp for the third day running.
It said that violent shelling targeted the Husseiniya refugee camp all night long Monday, adding that many of its suburbs suffered long hours of power outage in addition to a halt to wireless and internet services.
14 jan 2013
Five more Palestinian refugees killed in Syria
Five Palestinian refugees were killed in Syria on Sunday in the ongoing violence in that war-torn Arab country three of them in Diraa near the Jordanian borders and two in Yarmouk refugee camp. Local sources in Yarmouk camp, south of the Syrian capital, told the PIC that Yousef Hamdan, 35, and Kamal Al-Damoni, 26, were killed on Sunday.
They said that big numbers of refugees were returning to the camp despite the 21-day-old siege imposed on it by the regular Syrian army. They pointed out that the Syrian soldiers ban the entry of foodstuff, heating material, medicines, and flour into it.
Meanwhile, the workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said that three Palestinians were killed in a shooting incident in Nakhla area near Diraa city
Resheq condemns continued targeting of Palestinians in Syria
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq strongly condemned the continued targeting of unarmed Palestinians and Syrians in the ongoing armed conflict in Syria. Resheq in a statement on his Facebook page denounced the killing of a number of Palestinians in Yarmouk refugee camp on Saturday including Ghassan Al-Shihabi, a Palestinian historian.
He said that Shihabi, who was killed by a sniper while driving his car in Yarmouk refugee camp, was recently involved in extending relief aid to inhabitants of the camp.
The Hamas official said that Shihabi was managing Al-Shajara institution, concerned with writing down Palestinian history, and spent his entire life in collecting Palestinian history and folklore.
13 Palestinians were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp on Saturday, including Shihabi, at the hands of Syrian regular army while five were killed in the camp and in Diraa, near the Jordanian borders, on Sunday.
They said that big numbers of refugees were returning to the camp despite the 21-day-old siege imposed on it by the regular Syrian army. They pointed out that the Syrian soldiers ban the entry of foodstuff, heating material, medicines, and flour into it.
Meanwhile, the workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said that three Palestinians were killed in a shooting incident in Nakhla area near Diraa city
Resheq condemns continued targeting of Palestinians in Syria
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq strongly condemned the continued targeting of unarmed Palestinians and Syrians in the ongoing armed conflict in Syria. Resheq in a statement on his Facebook page denounced the killing of a number of Palestinians in Yarmouk refugee camp on Saturday including Ghassan Al-Shihabi, a Palestinian historian.
He said that Shihabi, who was killed by a sniper while driving his car in Yarmouk refugee camp, was recently involved in extending relief aid to inhabitants of the camp.
The Hamas official said that Shihabi was managing Al-Shajara institution, concerned with writing down Palestinian history, and spent his entire life in collecting Palestinian history and folklore.
13 Palestinians were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp on Saturday, including Shihabi, at the hands of Syrian regular army while five were killed in the camp and in Diraa, near the Jordanian borders, on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia to Aid Jordan with Syrian Refugees
by The Jerusalem Post
Saudi Arabia said Friday it will give Jordan $10 billion to help it deal with Syrian refugees, a day after the Jordanian prime minister said his country will not accept Palestinian refugees from Syria and shifted the blame to Israel.
Meanwhile, Jordan sent a delegation to an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo on Sunday, held to deal with the refugee situation in the region caused by the Syrian conflict and the recent bout of severe weather, as reported by the Jordanian newspaper Al-Rai.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said at the meeting that a political solution is required that will maintain Syria's territorial integrity, according to a report Sunday by the Jordan News Agency.
Judeh claimed that Jordan is currently hosting 300,000 Syrians, including 60,000 in refugee camps and 240,000 in Jordanian cities and villages, and that it spent $600 million last year on the crisis.
He went on to predict that by June, 425,000 refugees will have entered Jordan.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it is donating $10b. in aid to Jordan in order to help the country with the refugee crisis.
Jordan's Zaatari camp is currently housing at least 30,000 refugees.
In an interview a few days ago in the London-based Arab daily Al-Hayat, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Jordan refuses to accept Palestinian refugees, and blamed Israel for preventing them from returning to their homes in the Jewish state.
"Jordan is not the place to solve the problems of Israel, and it has made a clear and explicit sovereign decision to not allow the crossing to Jordan by our Palestinian brothers who hold Syrian documents. Receiving those brothers is a red line because that would be a prelude to another wave of displacement, which is what the Israeli government wants," Ensour said.
"Our Palestinian brothers in Syria have the right to go back to their country of origin. They should stay in Syria until the end of the crisis."
Jordan is increasingly concerned about the refugee situation, which it sees as destabilizing an already sensitive domestic situation – as the Muslim Brotherhood pressures the government to make reforms and hold fair elections. This is in addition to the worry that refugees will worsen other such tensions, as Palestinians already comprise the majority of Jordan's citizenry and part of the Islamist opposition, yet are underrepresented in the halls of power.
Saudi Arabia said Friday it will give Jordan $10 billion to help it deal with Syrian refugees, a day after the Jordanian prime minister said his country will not accept Palestinian refugees from Syria and shifted the blame to Israel.
Meanwhile, Jordan sent a delegation to an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo on Sunday, held to deal with the refugee situation in the region caused by the Syrian conflict and the recent bout of severe weather, as reported by the Jordanian newspaper Al-Rai.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said at the meeting that a political solution is required that will maintain Syria's territorial integrity, according to a report Sunday by the Jordan News Agency.
Judeh claimed that Jordan is currently hosting 300,000 Syrians, including 60,000 in refugee camps and 240,000 in Jordanian cities and villages, and that it spent $600 million last year on the crisis.
He went on to predict that by June, 425,000 refugees will have entered Jordan.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it is donating $10b. in aid to Jordan in order to help the country with the refugee crisis.
Jordan's Zaatari camp is currently housing at least 30,000 refugees.
In an interview a few days ago in the London-based Arab daily Al-Hayat, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Jordan refuses to accept Palestinian refugees, and blamed Israel for preventing them from returning to their homes in the Jewish state.
"Jordan is not the place to solve the problems of Israel, and it has made a clear and explicit sovereign decision to not allow the crossing to Jordan by our Palestinian brothers who hold Syrian documents. Receiving those brothers is a red line because that would be a prelude to another wave of displacement, which is what the Israeli government wants," Ensour said.
"Our Palestinian brothers in Syria have the right to go back to their country of origin. They should stay in Syria until the end of the crisis."
Jordan is increasingly concerned about the refugee situation, which it sees as destabilizing an already sensitive domestic situation – as the Muslim Brotherhood pressures the government to make reforms and hold fair elections. This is in addition to the worry that refugees will worsen other such tensions, as Palestinians already comprise the majority of Jordan's citizenry and part of the Islamist opposition, yet are underrepresented in the halls of power.
13 jan 2013
Seven Palestinian martyrs in Syria on Saturday
The Working Group for Palestinian Refugees in Syria confirmed on Saturday that 7 Palestinian refugees were killed in Yarmouk and Husseiniya refugee camps in the Syrian capital Damascus. Seven martyrs of the Palestinian refugees were reported on Saturday, four of them in the Yarmouk refugee camp, and three others in Husseiniya camp, the group said in a press statement on Sunday.
In the Yarmouk refugee camp, south of the Syrian capital Damascus, Ghassan Shihab, director of al-Shajara Association for Palestinian Memory, was killed by snipers belonging to the Syrian regime while trying to evade sniper fire in the camp, and the child Qusay Nayef Azima, 3, was shot in the head.
It also found the body of the martyr Iyad Mawid, with signs of torture, where he had been arrested at the barrier of the regime army at the entrance of the camp twenty days ago.
At the same time, the refugee Alaa Mohammed Fayyad, a resident of Arouba neighborhood in the camp, died after being suffered gunshot wounds.
In Husseiniya camp, the refugees Yasmine Khazaee, Zuhair Mohammad Khazaee, and Ragheb Yafi were killed in the shelling, while Alhaj Ahmed Fahd Qtrameez was killed by sniper fire.
In the Yarmouk refugee camp, south of the Syrian capital Damascus, Ghassan Shihab, director of al-Shajara Association for Palestinian Memory, was killed by snipers belonging to the Syrian regime while trying to evade sniper fire in the camp, and the child Qusay Nayef Azima, 3, was shot in the head.
It also found the body of the martyr Iyad Mawid, with signs of torture, where he had been arrested at the barrier of the regime army at the entrance of the camp twenty days ago.
At the same time, the refugee Alaa Mohammed Fayyad, a resident of Arouba neighborhood in the camp, died after being suffered gunshot wounds.
In Husseiniya camp, the refugees Yasmine Khazaee, Zuhair Mohammad Khazaee, and Ragheb Yafi were killed in the shelling, while Alhaj Ahmed Fahd Qtrameez was killed by sniper fire.
12 jan 2013
Shelling on Yarmouk camp kills child
A Palestinian child died on Friday evening from injuries suffered in shelling of the Yarmouk refugee camp, south of Damascus, a few days ago while other refugees were wounded during bombings in Husseiniyeh camp. The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria said in a press statement that the child Hala Rayyan died from wounds she sustained when boiling oil spilled on her after a shell landed next to her family's home in the Fedaya neighborhood in the Yarmouk refugee camp.
Two young men have also been wounded by sniper's bullets, one of them in a serious condition as he was shot in the head.
The Syrian regular army has been besieging the Yarmouk refugee camp for 20 days, amid warnings of a humanitarian disaster because the camp is running out of basic food and fuel supplies.
Husseiniyeh camp, in southern Damascus, has also witnessed since yesterday's early hours and until the evening bombings by the Syrian regime forces, as eyewitnesses from inside the camp stated the shelling caused a number of casualties, including children.
A report issued by the Office of Refugees' Affairs in Hamas movement in Lebanon stated on Friday that the Palestinian refugee camps and the Palestinian people have been dragged in the events of Syria six months ago, and that the number of Palestinian martyrs during these ongoing events hit 814.
The report also pointed out that what happened last July, the attack on Yarmouk refugee camp, pushed 3500 Palestinian refugees to leave the Syrian territories and head to Lebanon, bringing the total number of refugees in Lebanon to 13000, according to UNRWA statistics.
Two young men have also been wounded by sniper's bullets, one of them in a serious condition as he was shot in the head.
The Syrian regular army has been besieging the Yarmouk refugee camp for 20 days, amid warnings of a humanitarian disaster because the camp is running out of basic food and fuel supplies.
Husseiniyeh camp, in southern Damascus, has also witnessed since yesterday's early hours and until the evening bombings by the Syrian regime forces, as eyewitnesses from inside the camp stated the shelling caused a number of casualties, including children.
A report issued by the Office of Refugees' Affairs in Hamas movement in Lebanon stated on Friday that the Palestinian refugee camps and the Palestinian people have been dragged in the events of Syria six months ago, and that the number of Palestinian martyrs during these ongoing events hit 814.
The report also pointed out that what happened last July, the attack on Yarmouk refugee camp, pushed 3500 Palestinian refugees to leave the Syrian territories and head to Lebanon, bringing the total number of refugees in Lebanon to 13000, according to UNRWA statistics.
Baraka tables issue of homeless refugees during visit to UNRWA
A delegation from the Hamas Movement led by its representative in Lebanon Ali Baraka visited on Saturday the UNRWA office in Beirut and met with the agency's director general Ann Desmor. The two sides discussed the issue of the Palestinian refugees displaced from Syria because of the military attacks on their camps and the harsh living conditions they suffer from especially in the winter season.
The delegation asked the UNRWA to secure temporary shelters provided with food supply and heating for the refugees.
Baraka told the UNRWA official in Beirut that his Movement has given so far $900, 000 for the displaced refugees and would continue its relief efforts.
In a related context, the Hamas representative received in his office in Beirut head of the Palestinian scholars' league Sheikh Bassam Kayed.
He briefed Sheikh Kayed about the living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in general, especially those who fled the internal war in Syria.
Baraka highlighted the need for swiftly contributing to the relief work provided by many parties to mitigate the suffering of the displaced refugees.
The delegation asked the UNRWA to secure temporary shelters provided with food supply and heating for the refugees.
Baraka told the UNRWA official in Beirut that his Movement has given so far $900, 000 for the displaced refugees and would continue its relief efforts.
In a related context, the Hamas representative received in his office in Beirut head of the Palestinian scholars' league Sheikh Bassam Kayed.
He briefed Sheikh Kayed about the living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in general, especially those who fled the internal war in Syria.
Baraka highlighted the need for swiftly contributing to the relief work provided by many parties to mitigate the suffering of the displaced refugees.
11 jan 2013
Haniya and the factions' leaders discuss conditions of Palestinians in Syria
Ismail Haniya, Gaza's Prime Minister, met on Thursday leaders and representatives of the Palestinian factions in his office in Gaza City, and they discussed the conditions of Palestinians in Syria and ways to relieve them. Taher Nunu, spokesman for the Palestinian government in Gaza, said at a news conference that the meeting dealt with the situation of Palestinian refugees in Syria and ways to stop involving them in Syria’s internal conflict.
He revealed that the government will hold contacts with all the concerned authorities in order to stop bombing and targeting the Palestinian refugee camps.
Nunu added that the factions' leaders also talked about the Palestinian reconciliation file and the talks that took place between the two movements' delegations in Cairo on Wednesday, pointing out that the details of Cairo’s meetings will be revealed after the return of the Palestinian delegation from the Egyptian territories.
Haniya called, during the meeting for exploiting the positive atmosphere that has prevailed in the West Bank and Gaza after the festival of Fatah anniversary, that took place in Gaza, and building confidence between the two movements in order to ensure the success of the national consensus.
He revealed that the government will hold contacts with all the concerned authorities in order to stop bombing and targeting the Palestinian refugee camps.
Nunu added that the factions' leaders also talked about the Palestinian reconciliation file and the talks that took place between the two movements' delegations in Cairo on Wednesday, pointing out that the details of Cairo’s meetings will be revealed after the return of the Palestinian delegation from the Egyptian territories.
Haniya called, during the meeting for exploiting the positive atmosphere that has prevailed in the West Bank and Gaza after the festival of Fatah anniversary, that took place in Gaza, and building confidence between the two movements in order to ensure the success of the national consensus.
10 jan 2013
Two Palestinians killed in Syria, bakeries closed in Yarmouk refugee camp
The number of Palestinian martyrs in the ongoing Syrian conflict has risen to 887 after two more Palestinians were killed on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses in Yarmouk refugee camp, south of Damascus, told the PIC a woman died of wounds after a bomb shell exploded near a butchery in the camp.
Another Palestinian was killed in Handarat refugee camp in Aleppo after shrapnel hit him.
The PIC reporter in the camp said that Yarmouk was still under siege for the 18th day running, adding that all bakeries stopped working after flour ran out of stock.
He added that Syrian security agents arrested a Palestinian activist affiliated with Hamas, who lives in the camp.
Another Palestinian was killed in Handarat refugee camp in Aleppo after shrapnel hit him.
The PIC reporter in the camp said that Yarmouk was still under siege for the 18th day running, adding that all bakeries stopped working after flour ran out of stock.
He added that Syrian security agents arrested a Palestinian activist affiliated with Hamas, who lives in the camp.
9 jan 2013
Calls for Egypt and Jordan to open their doors before Palestinian refugees
LONDON, (PIC)-- The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria demanded the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow Palestinians fleeing the fighting in Syria to get Visas, and urged the neighboring Arab countries to support the humanitarian demands of the Palestinians in Syria.
The workgroup called on all the Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan, in a statement on Wednesday, to receive humanitarian cases of the Palestinians refugees fleeing Syria.
It urged the Lebanese state to officially provide help for Palestinian refugees who had left the Syrian territories and arrived to Lebanon.
It also demanded all the relief agencies around the world to support the efforts of the countries that are receiving both Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
The group confirmed that "any Palestinian presence in any Arab country is temporary," and stressed on the Palestinians' adherence to their right of return, whatever the circumstances are.
The workgroup called on all the Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan, in a statement on Wednesday, to receive humanitarian cases of the Palestinians refugees fleeing Syria.
It urged the Lebanese state to officially provide help for Palestinian refugees who had left the Syrian territories and arrived to Lebanon.
It also demanded all the relief agencies around the world to support the efforts of the countries that are receiving both Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
The group confirmed that "any Palestinian presence in any Arab country is temporary," and stressed on the Palestinians' adherence to their right of return, whatever the circumstances are.
885 Palestinians killed in Syria since outbreak of revolution
A new statistics report revealed that 885 Palestinians have been killed in Syria since outbreak of internal fighting after eight martyrs fell on Tuesday. The work group for Palestinians in Syria on Wednesday said that all those who fell in the ongoing armed conflict were registered and documented.
It affirmed that the Syrian regular army was still imposing a tight siege on the Yarmouk refugee camp south of Damascus for the 17th day running.
It said that the roadblocks were preventing entry of foodstuff and medical supplies into the refugee camp as news spread that flour was no longer found inside the camp.
It affirmed that the Syrian regular army was still imposing a tight siege on the Yarmouk refugee camp south of Damascus for the 17th day running.
It said that the roadblocks were preventing entry of foodstuff and medical supplies into the refugee camp as news spread that flour was no longer found inside the camp.
8 jan 2013
4 Palestinians Killed In Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp In Syria
Four Palestinian refugees have been killed, Monday, in the Al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria during clashes between gunmen stationed in the outskirts of the camp, and in a number of neighborhoods on the edges of the camp. Medical sources reported that Rami Majdalawi and Ahmad Kousa have been killed by a sharpshooter in Ath-Thalatheen in the camp. The two were active in charitable and voluntary work. Their bodies were moved to the Palestine Hospital before prayers were held, and were buried in the Old Graveyard in the camp.
Also on Monday, a Palestinian youth in his twenties, identified as Samer Othman, died of serious injuries he suffered fifteen days ago after he was repeatedly beaten on his head near the camp. He suffered hemorrhage and died of his wounds.
A Fourth refugee, identified as Mohammad Ajayny, died of a serious gunshot injury he suffered more than a month ago.
Local sources in the camp reported that, despite the fact that no shells were fired into the camp Monday, clashes took place in Palestine Street, Ath-Thalatheen Street, Az-Zahera Al-Jadeeda and Al-Meidan; no injuries were reported.
Furthermore, the National Civil committee managed to secure the entry of heavy equipment in order to clean the roads and restore them with the help of youths who managed to enter the camp.
Nearly 10 days ago, a Palestinian refugee identified as Mohammad Qneita, 31, was killed in Idlib City northwest of Syria. Qneita left the Gaza Strip heading to Syria approximately four months ago; he is a resident of the Ash-Shaty’ refugee camp in Gaza.
Dozens of Palestinian refugees in Syria have been killed and injured, including 21 who were killed in the Al-Yarmouk refugee last month.
In November, several Palestinian refugees were killed by a shell targeting their vehicle while driving near the Al-Yarmouk refugee camp.
There are approximately half a million refugees living in Al-Yarmouk refugee camp, most of them were forced out of their homes and lands when Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine in 1948.
Three Palestinians killed in Yarmouk refugee camp
DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- Three Palestinian refugees were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp in the Syrian capital on Monday including two at the hands of a sniper.
Eyewitnesses inside the besieged camp told the PIC on Tuesday that Rami Majdalawi and Ahmed Al-Kusi were killed when a sniper targeted them in one of the camp’s suburbs.
Meanwhile, a third Palestinian, Samer Othman, succumbed to serious wounds suffered 15 days ago at one of the roadblocks in the camp. Othman was brutally hit on his head leading to brain hemorrhage and complete paralysis.
Also on Monday, a Palestinian youth in his twenties, identified as Samer Othman, died of serious injuries he suffered fifteen days ago after he was repeatedly beaten on his head near the camp. He suffered hemorrhage and died of his wounds.
A Fourth refugee, identified as Mohammad Ajayny, died of a serious gunshot injury he suffered more than a month ago.
Local sources in the camp reported that, despite the fact that no shells were fired into the camp Monday, clashes took place in Palestine Street, Ath-Thalatheen Street, Az-Zahera Al-Jadeeda and Al-Meidan; no injuries were reported.
Furthermore, the National Civil committee managed to secure the entry of heavy equipment in order to clean the roads and restore them with the help of youths who managed to enter the camp.
Nearly 10 days ago, a Palestinian refugee identified as Mohammad Qneita, 31, was killed in Idlib City northwest of Syria. Qneita left the Gaza Strip heading to Syria approximately four months ago; he is a resident of the Ash-Shaty’ refugee camp in Gaza.
Dozens of Palestinian refugees in Syria have been killed and injured, including 21 who were killed in the Al-Yarmouk refugee last month.
In November, several Palestinian refugees were killed by a shell targeting their vehicle while driving near the Al-Yarmouk refugee camp.
There are approximately half a million refugees living in Al-Yarmouk refugee camp, most of them were forced out of their homes and lands when Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine in 1948.
Three Palestinians killed in Yarmouk refugee camp
DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- Three Palestinian refugees were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp in the Syrian capital on Monday including two at the hands of a sniper.
Eyewitnesses inside the besieged camp told the PIC on Tuesday that Rami Majdalawi and Ahmed Al-Kusi were killed when a sniper targeted them in one of the camp’s suburbs.
Meanwhile, a third Palestinian, Samer Othman, succumbed to serious wounds suffered 15 days ago at one of the roadblocks in the camp. Othman was brutally hit on his head leading to brain hemorrhage and complete paralysis.
7 jan 2013
Al-Hamad praises the Palestinian neutral position on the Syrian crisis
KUALA LUMPUR, (PIC)-- Dr. Jawad Al-Hamad, a strategic expert and director of the Center for Middle East Studies, called on the Syrian leadership not to involve the Palestinian people and resistance in the Syrian internal differences, stressing that the Palestinian neutral position concerning the Syrian affairs must be respected and supported.
Al-Hamad praised, in statements to Quds press, the Palestinian position regarding the Syrian crisis, saying "Palestinian resistance loses nothing for its neutral position on the Syrian crisis", calling on the Syrian leadership to respect the Palestinian people's resistance against the occupation, and not to involve it into its internal issues.
He called on the Syrian leadership to support the Palestinian neutral position, and to support the Palestinian resistance in the war against the Israeli occupation.
Regarding the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's criticism to the leaders of the Palestinian resistance who left Syria, al-Hamad said that "al-Assad has to respect the Palestinian neutral position on the internal differences in the Arab countries, and he should not accept any contribution from the Palestinians to help him in suppressing his people."
Al-Hamad praised, in statements to Quds press, the Palestinian position regarding the Syrian crisis, saying "Palestinian resistance loses nothing for its neutral position on the Syrian crisis", calling on the Syrian leadership to respect the Palestinian people's resistance against the occupation, and not to involve it into its internal issues.
He called on the Syrian leadership to support the Palestinian neutral position, and to support the Palestinian resistance in the war against the Israeli occupation.
Regarding the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's criticism to the leaders of the Palestinian resistance who left Syria, al-Hamad said that "al-Assad has to respect the Palestinian neutral position on the internal differences in the Arab countries, and he should not accept any contribution from the Palestinians to help him in suppressing his people."
6 jan 2013
Nine Palestinian refugees killed in Syrian military attacks on camps
DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- Nine Palestinian refugees, including a woman and three kids aged five to seven years, were killed on Saturday after the fall of mortar shells on the camps of Yarmouk, Husseiniya, Sabina and Sayeda Zeinab in the south of the Syrian capital Damascus.
The action group for Palestinians in Syria said the Syrian regime army is still imposing a tight blockade on Yarmouk refugee camp for the 14th consecutive day.
The Syrian regime forces, it added, prevent the entry of individuals and vehicles or the access of any food and medical supplies into Yarmouk camp.
The action group affirmed that two Palestinian young men from the camp were killed and three others were wounded in a mortar attack on 30 street, adding that the refugees are still fleeing Sayeda Zeinab camp because of the ongoing bombing by the Syrian regime army.
The action group also reported that three Palestinian refugee including two little girls were killed in a mortar attack on Husseiniyeh camp.
Palestinian youth killed in Syrian fighting
RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- A Palestinian young man was killed in the ongoing Syrian armed conflict on Saturday after bomb shrapnel hit his head, well-informed sources in Ramallah said.
The sources said that Faisal Ezzuddin, 22, was killed in an area close to the Syrian-Turkish borders in Syrian regular army bombing.
They said that Faisal hailed from Deir Dabwan village, to the east of Ramallah, adding that he was studying nursing in the USA.
The sources said that the youth left his faculty and went to volunteer and help extend medical and relief material to Syrian refugees.
Hamdan: Refugee camps in Syria should be neutralized
BEIRUT, (PIC)-- Osama Hamdan, who is in charge of foreign relations in Hamas movement, said that his movement was not at present nor in the past a party to the conflict in Syria.
Hamdan told Quds Press on Sunday that Palestinian refugee camps in Syria should be neutralized in the internal fighting in that country.
Hamdan, commenting on Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad’s speech, said that Hamas’s position regarding the Syrian conflict was clear since the beginning, adding that Hamas does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
“We have called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would enable the Syrian people to meet their aspirations and demands,” the Hamas official said.
“We believe that respecting the peoples’ will lead to building strong countries,” he said, adding that Hamas was never a party in the internal Syrian conflict.
Hamdan warned that targeting Palestinian refugee camps would entail loss on those behind it in addition to inflicting harm to the Palestinians who already suffer from the “Zionist occupation”.
The action group for Palestinians in Syria said the Syrian regime army is still imposing a tight blockade on Yarmouk refugee camp for the 14th consecutive day.
The Syrian regime forces, it added, prevent the entry of individuals and vehicles or the access of any food and medical supplies into Yarmouk camp.
The action group affirmed that two Palestinian young men from the camp were killed and three others were wounded in a mortar attack on 30 street, adding that the refugees are still fleeing Sayeda Zeinab camp because of the ongoing bombing by the Syrian regime army.
The action group also reported that three Palestinian refugee including two little girls were killed in a mortar attack on Husseiniyeh camp.
Palestinian youth killed in Syrian fighting
RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- A Palestinian young man was killed in the ongoing Syrian armed conflict on Saturday after bomb shrapnel hit his head, well-informed sources in Ramallah said.
The sources said that Faisal Ezzuddin, 22, was killed in an area close to the Syrian-Turkish borders in Syrian regular army bombing.
They said that Faisal hailed from Deir Dabwan village, to the east of Ramallah, adding that he was studying nursing in the USA.
The sources said that the youth left his faculty and went to volunteer and help extend medical and relief material to Syrian refugees.
Hamdan: Refugee camps in Syria should be neutralized
BEIRUT, (PIC)-- Osama Hamdan, who is in charge of foreign relations in Hamas movement, said that his movement was not at present nor in the past a party to the conflict in Syria.
Hamdan told Quds Press on Sunday that Palestinian refugee camps in Syria should be neutralized in the internal fighting in that country.
Hamdan, commenting on Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad’s speech, said that Hamas’s position regarding the Syrian conflict was clear since the beginning, adding that Hamas does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
“We have called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would enable the Syrian people to meet their aspirations and demands,” the Hamas official said.
“We believe that respecting the peoples’ will lead to building strong countries,” he said, adding that Hamas was never a party in the internal Syrian conflict.
Hamdan warned that targeting Palestinian refugee camps would entail loss on those behind it in addition to inflicting harm to the Palestinians who already suffer from the “Zionist occupation”.
5 jan 2013
Refugee Department condemns UNRWA for dismissing contract workers
WEST BANK, (PIC)-- Department of Refugee Affairs in the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, condemned the decision to terminate the contract employees working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the West Bank.
The movement's position came in light of the dismissal of 130 contract employees of UNRWA staff in the West Bank.
The department charged that this decision affects one of UNRWA's functions, as it is responsible for finding work for the Palestinian refugees at a time the number of university graduates is increasing amidst a lack of employment opportunities.
The department called on UNRWA to strive to provide the necessary funds to carry out its work in accordance with its mandate by the United Nations, stressing that there is no excuse for UNRWA officials to reduce services under the pretext of the reduction in donor funding.
It added that the continuation of the budget deficit will lead the refugees to make serious changes to this "laggard" administration, according to the statement.
The department called on UNRWA headquarters to rationalize spending millions on foreign staff, and to replace most of them by Palestinian staff who receive a third of foreign employees’ wages.
The department called on the People's Committee of the refugees in the Gaza Strip to carry out a protest in front of the agency's headquarters in Gaza city on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 11am, to protest the dismissal decision.
The movement's position came in light of the dismissal of 130 contract employees of UNRWA staff in the West Bank.
The department charged that this decision affects one of UNRWA's functions, as it is responsible for finding work for the Palestinian refugees at a time the number of university graduates is increasing amidst a lack of employment opportunities.
The department called on UNRWA to strive to provide the necessary funds to carry out its work in accordance with its mandate by the United Nations, stressing that there is no excuse for UNRWA officials to reduce services under the pretext of the reduction in donor funding.
It added that the continuation of the budget deficit will lead the refugees to make serious changes to this "laggard" administration, according to the statement.
The department called on UNRWA headquarters to rationalize spending millions on foreign staff, and to replace most of them by Palestinian staff who receive a third of foreign employees’ wages.
The department called on the People's Committee of the refugees in the Gaza Strip to carry out a protest in front of the agency's headquarters in Gaza city on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 11am, to protest the dismissal decision.
3 jan 2013
Palestinian martyrs' number in Syria has rises to 855
DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- The number of Palestinian martyrs in refugees camps in Syria has risen since the start of the conflict between the formal and free armies, to 855, while the bombing and siege of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus continues.
According to the international working group for Palestinian refugees in Syria, the total number of martyrs of the Palestinian refugees in Syria reached until today 855 martyrs since the start of the Syrian revolution.
The Yarmouk refugee camp was exposed to heavy fire and shelling by Syrian forces loyal to Syrian regime, leading to significant damage in the camp.
The coordinating committee of Yarmouk refugee camp stated that regime forces, stationed in the Sufian al-Thawri barracks in al-Ka'a neighborhood, fired dozens mortars at the Yarmouk refugee camp for the second consecutive day.
In another development, media sources confirmed that the Israeli army began building a new "security wall" along the border area between the occupied Golan and the rest of the Syrian territory.
The sources said that the Israeli War Ministry seeks to complete the security wall construction before fall of the Assad regime, in anticipation of possible attacks on the Israeli entity from Syrian territory.
The security wall will be started from "Hamma" area to the Quneitra crossing north of the occupied Golan.
It is noted that the establishment of a security fence on the border with Syria and then with Jordan means that the occupation authorities began living in an isolated area closed from all sides, except the sea side.
The Israeli authorities had built a fence along the border with Egypt, in addition to the electronic fence with the Gaza Strip. They have recently embarked on building a fence within the territory of the occupied Syrian Golan. There is also a security fence along the border with Lebanon, as well as a concrete wall barrier in the West Bank.
According to the international working group for Palestinian refugees in Syria, the total number of martyrs of the Palestinian refugees in Syria reached until today 855 martyrs since the start of the Syrian revolution.
The Yarmouk refugee camp was exposed to heavy fire and shelling by Syrian forces loyal to Syrian regime, leading to significant damage in the camp.
The coordinating committee of Yarmouk refugee camp stated that regime forces, stationed in the Sufian al-Thawri barracks in al-Ka'a neighborhood, fired dozens mortars at the Yarmouk refugee camp for the second consecutive day.
In another development, media sources confirmed that the Israeli army began building a new "security wall" along the border area between the occupied Golan and the rest of the Syrian territory.
The sources said that the Israeli War Ministry seeks to complete the security wall construction before fall of the Assad regime, in anticipation of possible attacks on the Israeli entity from Syrian territory.
The security wall will be started from "Hamma" area to the Quneitra crossing north of the occupied Golan.
It is noted that the establishment of a security fence on the border with Syria and then with Jordan means that the occupation authorities began living in an isolated area closed from all sides, except the sea side.
The Israeli authorities had built a fence along the border with Egypt, in addition to the electronic fence with the Gaza Strip. They have recently embarked on building a fence within the territory of the occupied Syrian Golan. There is also a security fence along the border with Lebanon, as well as a concrete wall barrier in the West Bank.
2 jan 2013
Hamas's refugee affairs department launches its English website
GAZA, (PIC)-- The Refugee Affairs Department of Hamas announced on Tuesday evening, the launch of its English website.
The Department director, Abdullah Hassouna, said that the main objective of the website is to convey the voice of the Palestinian refugees in the world to the foreign media and to the institutions that are interested in their cause, in an attempt to expand the circle of international attention to the refugees' issue.
He stressed that the Hamas's refugee affairs department will make all efforts in order to achieve progress in the issue of refugees.
Hassouna has also revealed that the Department is planning to launch other websites in other languages in order to convey the voice of the Palestinian refugees to the entire world.
The Refugee Affairs Department has launched several years ago a website in Arabic language. It has also created pages in social networking sites (as in Facebook and Twitter) and has been contacting many researchers and concerned institutions, Hassouna said
The department's English website is: www.drah.ps
The Department director, Abdullah Hassouna, said that the main objective of the website is to convey the voice of the Palestinian refugees in the world to the foreign media and to the institutions that are interested in their cause, in an attempt to expand the circle of international attention to the refugees' issue.
He stressed that the Hamas's refugee affairs department will make all efforts in order to achieve progress in the issue of refugees.
Hassouna has also revealed that the Department is planning to launch other websites in other languages in order to convey the voice of the Palestinian refugees to the entire world.
The Refugee Affairs Department has launched several years ago a website in Arabic language. It has also created pages in social networking sites (as in Facebook and Twitter) and has been contacting many researchers and concerned institutions, Hassouna said
The department's English website is: www.drah.ps
Resheq: Medical and food supplies are still denied access to Yarmouk camp
BEIRUT, (PIC)-- Member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq said the Syrian regime forces still prevent for the 10th day the access of medical and food supplies the Palestinian refugee camp Al-Yarmouk in Damascus.
In a press statement to Quds Press on Tuesday, Resheq affirmed that Al-Yarmouk refugee camp is still being attacked by the Syrian regime forces with mortar shells.
Dozens of Palestinian refugees from the camp has been killed so far, he added.
He called for immediately ending the blockade imposed on Yarmouk camp and allowing in humanitarian needs.
For its part, the action group for the Palestinians in Syria strongly denounced on Tuesday the killing of two human rights activists from Al-Yarmouk refugee camp at the hands of the Syrian regime forces.
In a press release, the action group said the Syrian regime forces killed the activists Taha Hussein and Omar Harith after detaining them at the entrance to the camp as they were trying to bring bread for the refugee in the camp.
The activists were slaughtered and their bodies were found in Al-Hajar Al-Aswad area, the group added.
The group said the Syrian regime and its forces have no the slightest humanity and practice the highest levels of brutality and sadism even during the killing of civilians.
It said the blockade imposed on the refugee camps of Al-Yarmouk and Al-Sabina violates the international law and demanded the Palestinian leaders from all spectra to make tangible efforts to end the massacres happening against the Palestinians in Syria.
In a related incident, media sources from the camp reported that seven Palestinian refugees were killed on Tuesday in Al-Yarmouk camp in Damascus.
The sources added that the victims were killed during clashes between the Syrian regime forces and the revolutionary free army inside the camp and as a result of the fall of mortar shells.
The regime forces and the revolutionists were supposed to withdraw from the camp and hand it over to the Palestinian factions in order to end the bloodshed of civilians according to a recent agreement between the concerned parties.
In a press statement to Quds Press on Tuesday, Resheq affirmed that Al-Yarmouk refugee camp is still being attacked by the Syrian regime forces with mortar shells.
Dozens of Palestinian refugees from the camp has been killed so far, he added.
He called for immediately ending the blockade imposed on Yarmouk camp and allowing in humanitarian needs.
For its part, the action group for the Palestinians in Syria strongly denounced on Tuesday the killing of two human rights activists from Al-Yarmouk refugee camp at the hands of the Syrian regime forces.
In a press release, the action group said the Syrian regime forces killed the activists Taha Hussein and Omar Harith after detaining them at the entrance to the camp as they were trying to bring bread for the refugee in the camp.
The activists were slaughtered and their bodies were found in Al-Hajar Al-Aswad area, the group added.
The group said the Syrian regime and its forces have no the slightest humanity and practice the highest levels of brutality and sadism even during the killing of civilians.
It said the blockade imposed on the refugee camps of Al-Yarmouk and Al-Sabina violates the international law and demanded the Palestinian leaders from all spectra to make tangible efforts to end the massacres happening against the Palestinians in Syria.
In a related incident, media sources from the camp reported that seven Palestinian refugees were killed on Tuesday in Al-Yarmouk camp in Damascus.
The sources added that the victims were killed during clashes between the Syrian regime forces and the revolutionary free army inside the camp and as a result of the fall of mortar shells.
The regime forces and the revolutionists were supposed to withdraw from the camp and hand it over to the Palestinian factions in order to end the bloodshed of civilians according to a recent agreement between the concerned parties.
1 jan 2013
Workgroup for Palestinians in Syria condemn killings and siege of Yarmouk
DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- The workgroup for Palestinians in Syria condemned killing humanitarian activists from the Yarmouk refugee camp by the Syrian regular army, and strongly denounced the "inhuman siege imposed on the Palestinian camps."
The workgroup said, in a press release on Tuesday, that two activists, Taha Hussein and Omar al-Harith, were killed at a military checkpoint, set up by the regular army at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp.
It held the Syrian authorities fully responsible for the killings, pointing out that the siege imposed on the Yarmouk refugee camp and the Sbeineh camp is inhuman and represents a violation of the international norms, according to the statement.
The group demanded in its statement the Palestinian leadership with all its factions and movements to place the issue of Palestinian refugees in Syria on its list of priorities, and to intervene and make every effort to end the refugees' suffering in Syria's camps.
The workgroup said, in a press release on Tuesday, that two activists, Taha Hussein and Omar al-Harith, were killed at a military checkpoint, set up by the regular army at the entrance to the Yarmouk refugee camp.
It held the Syrian authorities fully responsible for the killings, pointing out that the siege imposed on the Yarmouk refugee camp and the Sbeineh camp is inhuman and represents a violation of the international norms, according to the statement.
The group demanded in its statement the Palestinian leadership with all its factions and movements to place the issue of Palestinian refugees in Syria on its list of priorities, and to intervene and make every effort to end the refugees' suffering in Syria's camps.
