27 dec 2013
An UNRWA worker from Deheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem was taken to the hospital after he fainted three days after launching a hunger strike in protest against the organization's policies towards its employees.
Khalil Abu Laban, who is one of four employees currently on strike against the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, was taken to Beit Jala governmental hospital after fainting, another participant in the demonstration Jamal Jaber told Ma'an.
Abu Laban was diagnosed with acute gastritis and is in a stable condition, Jaber said.
Jaber added that the strike by UNRWA employees is in its 25th day, and began as a result of a conflict with the organization over salaries and positions within the organization.
Khalil Abu Laban, who is one of four employees currently on strike against the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, was taken to Beit Jala governmental hospital after fainting, another participant in the demonstration Jamal Jaber told Ma'an.
Abu Laban was diagnosed with acute gastritis and is in a stable condition, Jaber said.
Jaber added that the strike by UNRWA employees is in its 25th day, and began as a result of a conflict with the organization over salaries and positions within the organization.
Yusif Adawi
The strike is also in protest of a decision to forbid anyone who was imprisoned in Israel to work for the UNRWA.
Large percentages of the Palestinian population have been detained with or without charge by Israeli occupation forces at some point in their lives, meaning that this prohibition excludes many people.
The hunger strike was started 4 days ago by Yusif Adawi, 50, who has remained in the protest tent in the camp since that time.
Adawi, a teacher at al-Duheisheh School, said he will continue the strike until UNRWA meets their demands.
The strike is also in protest of a decision to forbid anyone who was imprisoned in Israel to work for the UNRWA.
Large percentages of the Palestinian population have been detained with or without charge by Israeli occupation forces at some point in their lives, meaning that this prohibition excludes many people.
The hunger strike was started 4 days ago by Yusif Adawi, 50, who has remained in the protest tent in the camp since that time.
Adawi, a teacher at al-Duheisheh School, said he will continue the strike until UNRWA meets their demands.
26 dec 2013
The Hamas Movement criticized the performance of UNRWA with regard to the services it provides in the sectors of health, education, employment and infrastructure. In its annual evaluation report, Hamas slammed the red tape pursued by UNRWA's health sector and the temperamental attitude of some doctors working in its centers at refugee camps.
As for its educational sector, the report said that UNRWA has not fulfilled its pledges to reduce the number of students in classrooms and criticized the poor system used by the agency with regard to the daily and annual leave given to its teachers, which affects the quality of education received by students.
The report also highlighted UNRWA's obligations towards the rehabilitation of homes vulnerable to collapse in refugee camps, stressing that the agency's efforts in this area suffers from hesitance.
It also pointed to the gaps in the social affairs program, including the distribution of aid to poor families and university scholarships to students in refugee camps.
Hamas urged UNRWA to actively move to solve the legal and relief problems of the Palestinian refugees displaced by the situation in Syria, and to address the humanitarian crisis in Naher Al-Bared and Dabiya refugee camps.
As for its educational sector, the report said that UNRWA has not fulfilled its pledges to reduce the number of students in classrooms and criticized the poor system used by the agency with regard to the daily and annual leave given to its teachers, which affects the quality of education received by students.
The report also highlighted UNRWA's obligations towards the rehabilitation of homes vulnerable to collapse in refugee camps, stressing that the agency's efforts in this area suffers from hesitance.
It also pointed to the gaps in the social affairs program, including the distribution of aid to poor families and university scholarships to students in refugee camps.
Hamas urged UNRWA to actively move to solve the legal and relief problems of the Palestinian refugees displaced by the situation in Syria, and to address the humanitarian crisis in Naher Al-Bared and Dabiya refugee camps.
25 dec 2013
Syrian aircrafts continued their incessant bombing at Palestinian refugees camps; 7 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday evening, media sources reported. Action Group for Palestinians of Syria announced on a statement that Alaa Abu Rezzig a Palestinian refugee killed in a bombing at Dera' camp while a sniper belonging to Assad regime shot dead Jamal Hamad and his mother at Yarmouk camp in their way to Sbeina town.
It also reported that Assad regime snipers shot dead two brothers , Wael and Ibrahim Musa at a besieged suburb in Damascus. Bahhar Nasiif from Latakia tortured to death in Assad regime prison and Qasim al-Mughrabei starve to death in the besieged Yarmouk camp.
Syrian regime army imposed a siege on Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees since 161 days in a row. People in the camp suffer from food , medicine and fuel scarcity.
It also reported that Assad regime snipers shot dead two brothers , Wael and Ibrahim Musa at a besieged suburb in Damascus. Bahhar Nasiif from Latakia tortured to death in Assad regime prison and Qasim al-Mughrabei starve to death in the besieged Yarmouk camp.
Syrian regime army imposed a siege on Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees since 161 days in a row. People in the camp suffer from food , medicine and fuel scarcity.
24 dec 2013
Palestinian activists in Syria said that four Palestinian refugees were killed on Monday in Syria camps because of the continued attacks and siege. Action group for the Palestinians in Syria reported in a press statement on Tuesday that the two young men Shadi and Fadi Jebali, from the Yarmouk refugee camp, died under torture they were exposed to in the prisons of the Syrian security forces.
Another young man Basil Berri was also killed during clashes in the Yarmouk camp, while Subhi Al Omari died of hunger due to the intensification of the blockade imposed on the camp for the 160th day, according to the statement.
The working group added that the residents of the Yarmouk camp have staged a demonstration for the second day to demand lifting the siege imposed on the camp.
For their part, Husseiniyeh camp residents have appealed to all Palestinian factions, the PLO and UNRWA to intervene to end the humiliation they are exposed to at the Syrian army checkpoint.
Another young man Basil Berri was also killed during clashes in the Yarmouk camp, while Subhi Al Omari died of hunger due to the intensification of the blockade imposed on the camp for the 160th day, according to the statement.
The working group added that the residents of the Yarmouk camp have staged a demonstration for the second day to demand lifting the siege imposed on the camp.
For their part, Husseiniyeh camp residents have appealed to all Palestinian factions, the PLO and UNRWA to intervene to end the humiliation they are exposed to at the Syrian army checkpoint.
UNRWA's Union of Arab Employees warned that it would escalate protest steps including suspending the first semester's examinations in all UNRWA schools in Gaza Strip. The Union's decision to escalate its protests came in response to UNRWA’s insistence not to meet its demands.
UNRWA employees have launched a series of protest steps recently due to the UNRWA's disclaimer of its agreements and promises to improve their living and financial conditions.
Head of the Union, Sohail al-Hindi, said that this escalation in their protest steps came to pressure UNRWA administration to meet their demands.
He declared the Union's decision to suspend the first semester's exams and to stop correcting the past exams after UNRWA administration ignored its employees' demands.
Hindi pointed out that the Union is going to hold a press conference on Tuesday for further explanation concerning its decision.
The Union demanded the UNRWA administration to remain committed to the results of the surveys, and increase all the workers’ salaries in order to improve the livelihood of UNRWA workers, in light of the difficult economic conditions, in addition to canceling its decision to dismiss 94 engineers.
UNRWA employees have launched a series of protest steps recently due to the UNRWA's disclaimer of its agreements and promises to improve their living and financial conditions.
Head of the Union, Sohail al-Hindi, said that this escalation in their protest steps came to pressure UNRWA administration to meet their demands.
He declared the Union's decision to suspend the first semester's exams and to stop correcting the past exams after UNRWA administration ignored its employees' demands.
Hindi pointed out that the Union is going to hold a press conference on Tuesday for further explanation concerning its decision.
The Union demanded the UNRWA administration to remain committed to the results of the surveys, and increase all the workers’ salaries in order to improve the livelihood of UNRWA workers, in light of the difficult economic conditions, in addition to canceling its decision to dismiss 94 engineers.
Bank of Palestine Partners with UNICEF to Assist Children, Families Affected by Winter Storm in Gaza
The Bank of Palestine is providing $50,000 to UNICEF to help Palestinian children and families in the aftermath of the severe winter storm that hit Gaza, in an initiative whereby Bank of Palestine staff on the ground are volunteering their time to help with the distribution of relief supplies, a UNICEF press release said. “We are most grateful for this very timely and generous support from the Bank of Palestine which will help UNICEF provide children and families staying in shelters ortemporary housing with essential hygiene supplies and children’s clothing,” said June Kunugi, UNICEF Special Representative to the State of Palestine, “This will help protect their health and keep them warm.”
Following four days of torrential rains, hundreds of houses in Gaza were flooded, leaving many people trapped inside homes inundated by rising waters. Approximately 6,000 people, half of them children, had to be evacuated to shelters across the coastal enclave.
'Being a bank that is close to the society and part of the communities in which we operate, there was no question about us stepping up to provide urgent humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable Palestinians that were affected by this recent tragedy,” said Hashim Shawa, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Palestine. “I am also proud that our employees have joined the bank's efforts and are volunteering to help the victims of the storm,” he added.
The effects of the harshest weather for decades have further exacerbated the already overstretched Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities. Even before the winter storms hit, they were intermittently operational due to fuel and electricity shortages, resulting in daily blackouts of around 12 hours.
Bank of Palestine had already supported UNICEF’s assistance to Palestinian children in 2010. Following Operation ‘Cast Lead’, it contributed $250,000 to support 20 family centres set up in Gaza to help children and their caregivers recover from the impact of the military operations.
Following four days of torrential rains, hundreds of houses in Gaza were flooded, leaving many people trapped inside homes inundated by rising waters. Approximately 6,000 people, half of them children, had to be evacuated to shelters across the coastal enclave.
'Being a bank that is close to the society and part of the communities in which we operate, there was no question about us stepping up to provide urgent humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable Palestinians that were affected by this recent tragedy,” said Hashim Shawa, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Palestine. “I am also proud that our employees have joined the bank's efforts and are volunteering to help the victims of the storm,” he added.
The effects of the harshest weather for decades have further exacerbated the already overstretched Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities. Even before the winter storms hit, they were intermittently operational due to fuel and electricity shortages, resulting in daily blackouts of around 12 hours.
Bank of Palestine had already supported UNICEF’s assistance to Palestinian children in 2010. Following Operation ‘Cast Lead’, it contributed $250,000 to support 20 family centres set up in Gaza to help children and their caregivers recover from the impact of the military operations.
23 dec 2013
The action group for the Palestinians in Syria said that the Syrian regime forces and the popular front for the liberation of Palestine-general command (PFLP-GC) have been imposing a tight blockade on Al-Yarmouk refugee camp for the 159th consecutive day. In a press release on Monday, the action group said Al-Yarmouk blockade caused a serious humanitarian disaster in the camp and an acute shortage of vital supplies, especially food and medicines.
The action group added that the Palestinian refugees in Al-Yarmouk camp organized on Sunday a rally outside a building used as a headquarters by Al-Nusrah front to protest its refusal of any initiative ending the humanitarian crisis of their camp.
According to different human rights groups, a large number of families in Al-Yarmouk refugee camp are living nowadays without being able to find even some decent bread crumbs or clean water and some death incidents were reported among them as a result of malnutrition and drought.
The action group added that the Palestinian refugees in Al-Yarmouk camp organized on Sunday a rally outside a building used as a headquarters by Al-Nusrah front to protest its refusal of any initiative ending the humanitarian crisis of their camp.
According to different human rights groups, a large number of families in Al-Yarmouk refugee camp are living nowadays without being able to find even some decent bread crumbs or clean water and some death incidents were reported among them as a result of malnutrition and drought.
UNRWA commissioner-general Filippo Grandi has warned that the lives of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus are at risk due to the ongoing blockade imposed by the Syrian regime forces. "It is my responsibility to inform the international community that the humanitarian conditions in the besieged refugee camp of Yarmouk are worsening dramatically and that we are currently unable to help those trapped inside. If this situation is not addressed urgently, it may be too late to save the lives of thousands of people, including children," Grandi stated in a press release.
"20,000 remaining Palestinians have been trapped inside Yarmouk, and although very alarming reports of hardship and hunger have continued to multiply, since September 2013 we have been unable to enter the area to deliver desperately needed relief supplies," the UN official stressed.
"The UNRWA remains constantly committed to assist, but the continued presence of armed groups that entered the area at the end of 2012 and its closure by government forces have thwarted all our humanitarian efforts," he added.
"I urgently ask all parties to immediately heed their legal obligations and facilitate the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to Yarmouk and other Palestinian refugee camps where fighting impedes the delivery of such assistance."
After armed groups gained control of Yarmouk in December 2012, the camp became more embroiled in the raging war taking place across Syria and came under continual heavy attacks and tight blockade by the genocidal regime forces, which led to a rapid deterioration of its humanitarian situation.
"20,000 remaining Palestinians have been trapped inside Yarmouk, and although very alarming reports of hardship and hunger have continued to multiply, since September 2013 we have been unable to enter the area to deliver desperately needed relief supplies," the UN official stressed.
"The UNRWA remains constantly committed to assist, but the continued presence of armed groups that entered the area at the end of 2012 and its closure by government forces have thwarted all our humanitarian efforts," he added.
"I urgently ask all parties to immediately heed their legal obligations and facilitate the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to Yarmouk and other Palestinian refugee camps where fighting impedes the delivery of such assistance."
After armed groups gained control of Yarmouk in December 2012, the camp became more embroiled in the raging war taking place across Syria and came under continual heavy attacks and tight blockade by the genocidal regime forces, which led to a rapid deterioration of its humanitarian situation.
22 dec 2013
Hamas movement strongly condemned the “brutal massacre” in Dira refugee camp on Saturday that killed eight refugees. Hamas renewed in a statement on Sunday its call for neutralizing refugee camps in the current armed conflict in Syria and for providing safe shelters for families fleeing areas of confrontations.
The movement called on the Arab League and human rights groups to intervene urgently to protect thousands of Palestinian refugee families in face of siege and murder inside Syria and to provide them with a dignified stay in countries to which they sought refuge away from death and destruction.
For its part, the action group for Palestinians in Syria said in a press release on Sunday that 12 Palestinian refugees were killed in Syria over the past 24 hours including eight in Dira.
It said that Syrian warplanes shelled the refugee camp killing eight refugees including four women and a baby girl.
The group said that four other young men were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp due to the continued clashes in and around the camp.
The movement called on the Arab League and human rights groups to intervene urgently to protect thousands of Palestinian refugee families in face of siege and murder inside Syria and to provide them with a dignified stay in countries to which they sought refuge away from death and destruction.
For its part, the action group for Palestinians in Syria said in a press release on Sunday that 12 Palestinian refugees were killed in Syria over the past 24 hours including eight in Dira.
It said that Syrian warplanes shelled the refugee camp killing eight refugees including four women and a baby girl.
The group said that four other young men were killed in Yarmouk refugee camp due to the continued clashes in and around the camp.
21 dec 2013
The garbage trucks of Gaza city are at a standstill due to an ongoing fuel shortage
The head of Hamas office for refugees' affairs appreciated the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)'s initiative with regard to easing the fuel shortage in the Gaza Strip. Dr Essam Odwan called Saturday in a statement on the UNRWA "to make every effort to resolve the crises of electricity and fuel, and to contribute to the entry of building materials, which would serve to improve its image among its audience,"
Robert Turner, the Director of Operations in Gaza for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in late November that "Turkey agreed to fund fuel purchases that will be used to provide power for emergency services in the Gaza Strip, including hospitals and idle sewage treatment plants,"
Turkey pledged $850,000, which should be able sustain the operation of emergency services for the next four months, he pointed out.
On December 18, dozens from Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp demonstrated in front of UNRWA offices to demand that the UN agency repair their flooded homes following a four-day storm which caused widespread damage in the coastal territory.
Fuel supplies have been scarce since the Egyptian military crackdown on smuggling tunnels on the border with Gaza began on early July.
The amount of fuel allowed by Israel into Gaza via Karam Abu Salem crossing serve only little of the Gaza needs.
During the Alexa storm which lasted for four consecutive days and led to huge damage to public and private sectors and forced thousands out of their homes to makeshift shelters, civil defense crews were crippled by a lack of electricity and a lack of fuel to operate generators to pump water.
The head of Hamas office for refugees' affairs appreciated the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)'s initiative with regard to easing the fuel shortage in the Gaza Strip. Dr Essam Odwan called Saturday in a statement on the UNRWA "to make every effort to resolve the crises of electricity and fuel, and to contribute to the entry of building materials, which would serve to improve its image among its audience,"
Robert Turner, the Director of Operations in Gaza for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in late November that "Turkey agreed to fund fuel purchases that will be used to provide power for emergency services in the Gaza Strip, including hospitals and idle sewage treatment plants,"
Turkey pledged $850,000, which should be able sustain the operation of emergency services for the next four months, he pointed out.
On December 18, dozens from Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp demonstrated in front of UNRWA offices to demand that the UN agency repair their flooded homes following a four-day storm which caused widespread damage in the coastal territory.
Fuel supplies have been scarce since the Egyptian military crackdown on smuggling tunnels on the border with Gaza began on early July.
The amount of fuel allowed by Israel into Gaza via Karam Abu Salem crossing serve only little of the Gaza needs.
During the Alexa storm which lasted for four consecutive days and led to huge damage to public and private sectors and forced thousands out of their homes to makeshift shelters, civil defense crews were crippled by a lack of electricity and a lack of fuel to operate generators to pump water.
The fired engineers said the UNRWA violated an agreement it signed with the union of employee
"Ninety-six Palestinian engineers in the Gaza Strip lost their jobs with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)," Middle East Monitor reported.
The UNRWA told the engineers that "there is no longer any work for them due to the Israeli siege on Gaza halting construction projects,"
"The released engineers held a protest in front of the UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza demanding reinstatement," saying that "the UNRWA violated an agreement it signed with the union of employees,"
Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted the protesting engineers as saying "UNRWA should be able to employ us in other projects," who vowed to continue their sit in until they reach an agreement with UNRWA.
"Ninety-six Palestinian engineers in the Gaza Strip lost their jobs with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)," Middle East Monitor reported.
The UNRWA told the engineers that "there is no longer any work for them due to the Israeli siege on Gaza halting construction projects,"
"The released engineers held a protest in front of the UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza demanding reinstatement," saying that "the UNRWA violated an agreement it signed with the union of employees,"
Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted the protesting engineers as saying "UNRWA should be able to employ us in other projects," who vowed to continue their sit in until they reach an agreement with UNRWA.
The Hamas Movement's refugee affairs office in Lebanon has released its annual evolution report on UNRWA's performance in Lebanon for the year 2013. The report, prepared by Hamas representative in Lebanon Ali Baraka, was issued on the 64th anniversary of UNRWA's inception.
The report outlines the main drawbacks of its performance and the growing complaints by Palestinian refugees about its services, and involves recommendations for the agency to improve its work.
The author started his report with a concise introduction to the fundamentals and parameters that govern Hamas's relationship with UNRWA.
Baraka highlighted in his introduction that Hamas's refugee affairs office monitors and evaluates UNRWA's performance so as to safeguard it as a UN witness to the Palestinian cause.
He also warned UNRWA not to keep relying on its emergency budgets and urgent appeals for aid, and urged it to create alternatives.
The report outlines the main drawbacks of its performance and the growing complaints by Palestinian refugees about its services, and involves recommendations for the agency to improve its work.
The author started his report with a concise introduction to the fundamentals and parameters that govern Hamas's relationship with UNRWA.
Baraka highlighted in his introduction that Hamas's refugee affairs office monitors and evaluates UNRWA's performance so as to safeguard it as a UN witness to the Palestinian cause.
He also warned UNRWA not to keep relying on its emergency budgets and urgent appeals for aid, and urged it to create alternatives.
20 dec 2013
People inspect damaged areas in Yarmouk camp near Damascus, July 24, 2013.
The United Nations' Palestine refugee agency UNRWA warned that the lives of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk camp in Damascus were at risk due to the ongoing siege of the camp by Syrian regime forces.
Commissioner General of UNRWA Filippo Grandi said that "humanitarian conditions in the besieged refugee camp of Yarmouk are worsening dramatically and that we are currently unable to help those trapped inside."
He stressed that if the situation was not addressed soon, "it may be too late to save the lives of thousands of people including children."
"UNRWA remains constantly committed to assist, but the continued presence of armed groups that entered the area at the end of 2012 and its closure by government forces have thwarted all our humanitarian efforts," he added, referring to the fighting that has gripped the camp since it became embroiled in the armed conflict in Syria in December 2012.
"20,000 remaining Palestinians have been trapped inside Yarmouk, and although very alarming reports of hardship and hunger have continued to multiply, since September 2013 we have been unable to enter the area to deliver desperately needed relief supplies."
His comments come days after the PLO announced the failure of an agreement to lift the regime siege on the camp by asking all militant groups to withdraw and allow the area to remain a neutral safe zone. PLO authorities blamed the PFLP-GC, a Palestinian militant group closely aligned with the Syrian government, of foiling that agreement by deploying their troops in the camp.
After rebels seized control of Yarmouk in December 2012, the camp became embroiled in the armed fighting taking place across Syria and came under heavy regime assault. Regime forces eventually encircled the camp and in July imposed a siege on the camp, leading to a rapid deterioration of living conditions.
Fatah leader Abbas Zaki told Ma'an in mid-October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
Grandi called on all parties to "immediately heed their legal obligations and facilitate the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to Yarmouk and other Palestinian refugee camps where fighting impedes the delivery of such assistance," stressing that the "intolerable situation" must end.
Yarmouk refugee camp was subjected to intense shelling on Friday, and the sounds of armed clashes were heard at the entrances to the camp.
Mazen al-Asali, 18, was reported to have committed suicide after he was unable to secure food to feed his mother and sisters due to a blockade imposed on the camp since July.
5 Palestinians reported killed across Syria on Friday
Five Palestinians were also killed across Syria on Friday in separate incidents linked to the armed conflict, including two who died under torture in Syrian regime prisons.
Mohammad Ahmad Mashour from al-Nayrab refugee camp died on Friday early morning amid shelling on Hanano neighborhood of Aleppo.
Nawaf Hantash and his wife, who name was not given, were killed during shelling on Homs, while his daughter wounded.
Ahmad Abu Raya from al-Aideen refugee camp in the central Syrian city of Homs died under torture in a Syrian military prison. He was detained five months ago.
Samer Walwel from Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus also died of torture in a Syrian army prison.
At least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their refugee camps in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
The United Nations' Palestine refugee agency UNRWA warned that the lives of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk camp in Damascus were at risk due to the ongoing siege of the camp by Syrian regime forces.
Commissioner General of UNRWA Filippo Grandi said that "humanitarian conditions in the besieged refugee camp of Yarmouk are worsening dramatically and that we are currently unable to help those trapped inside."
He stressed that if the situation was not addressed soon, "it may be too late to save the lives of thousands of people including children."
"UNRWA remains constantly committed to assist, but the continued presence of armed groups that entered the area at the end of 2012 and its closure by government forces have thwarted all our humanitarian efforts," he added, referring to the fighting that has gripped the camp since it became embroiled in the armed conflict in Syria in December 2012.
"20,000 remaining Palestinians have been trapped inside Yarmouk, and although very alarming reports of hardship and hunger have continued to multiply, since September 2013 we have been unable to enter the area to deliver desperately needed relief supplies."
His comments come days after the PLO announced the failure of an agreement to lift the regime siege on the camp by asking all militant groups to withdraw and allow the area to remain a neutral safe zone. PLO authorities blamed the PFLP-GC, a Palestinian militant group closely aligned with the Syrian government, of foiling that agreement by deploying their troops in the camp.
After rebels seized control of Yarmouk in December 2012, the camp became embroiled in the armed fighting taking place across Syria and came under heavy regime assault. Regime forces eventually encircled the camp and in July imposed a siege on the camp, leading to a rapid deterioration of living conditions.
Fatah leader Abbas Zaki told Ma'an in mid-October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
Grandi called on all parties to "immediately heed their legal obligations and facilitate the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to Yarmouk and other Palestinian refugee camps where fighting impedes the delivery of such assistance," stressing that the "intolerable situation" must end.
Yarmouk refugee camp was subjected to intense shelling on Friday, and the sounds of armed clashes were heard at the entrances to the camp.
Mazen al-Asali, 18, was reported to have committed suicide after he was unable to secure food to feed his mother and sisters due to a blockade imposed on the camp since July.
5 Palestinians reported killed across Syria on Friday
Five Palestinians were also killed across Syria on Friday in separate incidents linked to the armed conflict, including two who died under torture in Syrian regime prisons.
Mohammad Ahmad Mashour from al-Nayrab refugee camp died on Friday early morning amid shelling on Hanano neighborhood of Aleppo.
Nawaf Hantash and his wife, who name was not given, were killed during shelling on Homs, while his daughter wounded.
Ahmad Abu Raya from al-Aideen refugee camp in the central Syrian city of Homs died under torture in a Syrian military prison. He was detained five months ago.
Samer Walwel from Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus also died of torture in a Syrian army prison.
At least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their refugee camps in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
5, 000 employees working for the relief and works agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied West Bank have continued their open-ended strike for the third week, in protest at their low salaries. One of the UNRWA employees told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that his salary is not enough for the life requirements in the West Bank, including food, clothing and rent.
Organizers of the strike said it aims at achieving the employees' demands that have not been implemented despite the ongoing negotiation with the agency for the sixth months.
The strike closed UNRWA schools and health centers in the cities of the occupied West Bank and resulted in the accumulation of waste in the streets of the camps, while the agency says it is experiencing a fiscal deficit that reached twenty million dollars this year and is expected to increase to sixty-five million dollars next year.
Sami Mushasha, UNRWA spokesman in the West Bank, told the PIC that a number of donor countries declined from providing their services to the Agency; which has negatively affected the services provided to the Palestinian public.
Nearly one million refugees living in 19 camps in the occupied West Bank are waiting for a solution to the problems caused by the strike, while the agency has reduced its services in the refugee camps.
Organizers of the strike said it aims at achieving the employees' demands that have not been implemented despite the ongoing negotiation with the agency for the sixth months.
The strike closed UNRWA schools and health centers in the cities of the occupied West Bank and resulted in the accumulation of waste in the streets of the camps, while the agency says it is experiencing a fiscal deficit that reached twenty million dollars this year and is expected to increase to sixty-five million dollars next year.
Sami Mushasha, UNRWA spokesman in the West Bank, told the PIC that a number of donor countries declined from providing their services to the Agency; which has negatively affected the services provided to the Palestinian public.
Nearly one million refugees living in 19 camps in the occupied West Bank are waiting for a solution to the problems caused by the strike, while the agency has reduced its services in the refugee camps.
Two international human rights groups held multiple meetings with lawmakers in the Dutch parliament to urge them to table a proposal calling for amending the European legislation on the reception and treatment of war refugees, especially the Palestinians and Syrians.
Amnesty spokeswoman Flor Bomenj told a news conference that the meetings which Amnesty international and the Euro-mid observer for human rights held with representatives of the Dutch parliamentary blocs addressed the life-threatening boat trips which the Palestinian and Syrian refugees fleeing the Syrian war are forced to take to the European coasts.
Bomenj added that they discussed in the meetings the kind of treatment that should be given by the European authorities in general and the Dutch authorities in particular to the Palestinian and Syrian asylum seekers.
For her part, Hanin Hasan, a researcher for the Euro-mid observer, said that a number of refugees attended these meetings.
Hasan said that the refugees urged the Dutch lawmakers to pressure their government to play a more effective role in improving the European treatment of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing the raging war in Syria and work alongside with other member states of the European union on recovering the bodies of Palestinian and Syrian refugees whose boat sank last October off the Italian and Maltese coasts.
The two human rights groups stated in a press release that the European role towards the Palestinian and Syrian refugees are shameful and does not amount to the size of the suffering that has afflicted Syria's refugees.
Amnesty spokeswoman Flor Bomenj told a news conference that the meetings which Amnesty international and the Euro-mid observer for human rights held with representatives of the Dutch parliamentary blocs addressed the life-threatening boat trips which the Palestinian and Syrian refugees fleeing the Syrian war are forced to take to the European coasts.
Bomenj added that they discussed in the meetings the kind of treatment that should be given by the European authorities in general and the Dutch authorities in particular to the Palestinian and Syrian asylum seekers.
For her part, Hanin Hasan, a researcher for the Euro-mid observer, said that a number of refugees attended these meetings.
Hasan said that the refugees urged the Dutch lawmakers to pressure their government to play a more effective role in improving the European treatment of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing the raging war in Syria and work alongside with other member states of the European union on recovering the bodies of Palestinian and Syrian refugees whose boat sank last October off the Italian and Maltese coasts.
The two human rights groups stated in a press release that the European role towards the Palestinian and Syrian refugees are shameful and does not amount to the size of the suffering that has afflicted Syria's refugees.
18 dec 2013
It reported that Syrian regime struck on Tuesday Yarmouk camp for long hours while other Palestinian refugees camps witnessed a cautious calm. (video: artist Hassan Hassan)
Ali Baraka, Hamas’s representative in Lebanon, discussed the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon with the Norwegian ambassador. The meeting held in the Norwegian embassy in Beirut tackled the situation in Lebanon in general and the conditions of Palestinian refugees in particular and the suffering of Palestinians fleeing war-torn Syria and seeking refuge in Lebanon.
Baraka affirmed his movement’s keenness on maintaining peace and security in Lebanon and security and stability of Palestinian refugee camps in it.
The Hamas representative thanked Norway for its support for the Palestinian people and their just cause and affirmed the Palestinian refugees’ insistence on their right of return to their ancestral homeland Palestine.
Baraka affirmed his movement’s keenness on maintaining peace and security in Lebanon and security and stability of Palestinian refugee camps in it.
The Hamas representative thanked Norway for its support for the Palestinian people and their just cause and affirmed the Palestinian refugees’ insistence on their right of return to their ancestral homeland Palestine.
17 dec 2013
Two Palestinian refugees were killed in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus as a result of the ongoing clashes in Syria and an elderly woman died from exposure to cold, according to a Palestinian group.
The Workforce for Palestinians in Syria said in a statement received by Ma'an Wednesday, that Yousif al-Khateeb and Muatasim Abdul-Ghani were killed Tuesday evening as a result of shelling in the Yarmouk camp. Several others were injured, and material damages were reported.
The report highlighted that several Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in al-Huseiniyya refugee camp after the Syrian regime forces occupied the camp 67 days ago following fierce clashes with rebels of the Free Army. A majority of the residents fled to neighboring outskirts.
Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk, Deraa, al-Huseiniyya, Khan al-Sheikh and al-Aedin refugee camps have been suffering during the winter storm which hit the Middle East this week, while those Palestinian refugees who have fled to other countries have suffered in poorly-equipped makeshift refugee camps.
The main problems faced by refugees is the lack of fuel, gas and electricity for heating, in addition to the violence from the ongoing Syrian civil war.
More than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their refugee camps in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
The Workforce for Palestinians in Syria said in a statement received by Ma'an Wednesday, that Yousif al-Khateeb and Muatasim Abdul-Ghani were killed Tuesday evening as a result of shelling in the Yarmouk camp. Several others were injured, and material damages were reported.
The report highlighted that several Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in al-Huseiniyya refugee camp after the Syrian regime forces occupied the camp 67 days ago following fierce clashes with rebels of the Free Army. A majority of the residents fled to neighboring outskirts.
Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk, Deraa, al-Huseiniyya, Khan al-Sheikh and al-Aedin refugee camps have been suffering during the winter storm which hit the Middle East this week, while those Palestinian refugees who have fled to other countries have suffered in poorly-equipped makeshift refugee camps.
The main problems faced by refugees is the lack of fuel, gas and electricity for heating, in addition to the violence from the ongoing Syrian civil war.
More than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their refugee camps in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
16 dec 2013
According to the group, citizens of Khan El-Sheikh's refugee camp have been suffering from bad economic conditions due to the lack of food, medicine, and fuel and they called on UNRWA to hold its responsibilities towards them.
Director of Hamas's refugee affairs bureau Isam Adwan said that the UNRWA must assume its responsibilities well towards the Gaza population, especially in times of crises and emergencies, in accordance with the humanitarian principles it was founded on. "Are not there any crises in the Gaza Strip that require urgent intervention by the UNRWA," Adwan stated in press remarks on Sunday.
The Hamas official expressed his dismay at the UNRWA's weak humanitarian role in Gaza, which is racked by crises and disasters, most notably, the ongoing blockade and the recent displacement of many citizens as a result of floods.
The official accused the presidency of the UNRWA of receiving exorbitant salaries without being up to the tasks it was assigned to do, stressing that this presidency must fulfil its commitments or resign.
The Hamas official expressed his dismay at the UNRWA's weak humanitarian role in Gaza, which is racked by crises and disasters, most notably, the ongoing blockade and the recent displacement of many citizens as a result of floods.
The official accused the presidency of the UNRWA of receiving exorbitant salaries without being up to the tasks it was assigned to do, stressing that this presidency must fulfil its commitments or resign.