18 may 2013
Ukraine deports detained Palestinian refugees to Belarus
Palestinian activists said that the Ukrainian authorities deported to Belarus the Palestinian refugees who had fled from Syria camps towards Ukraine where they had been detained. Working Group for the Palestinians in Syria said in a press statement on Friday that the Palestinian families arrived on Thursday evening to the Belarusian territories, where the border guards received them and took them to an unknown destination.
The Working Group appealed to all humanitarian and human rights organizations, particularly the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to protect and support this group of refugees.
It added that it has been holding contacts with human rights bodies in Belarus to follow up the issue of the deported refugees.
These refugees fled from war-torn Syria, were detained in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk as they were trying to apply for asylum. They had been locked up in miserable incarceration conditions in a jail located about 500 kilometers away from the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
Meanwhile; eight Palestinian refugees from Syria arrived in the Bulgarian territory, where they were detained in a refugee camp under difficult living conditions.
The Working Group appealed to all humanitarian and human rights organizations, particularly the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to protect and support this group of refugees.
It added that it has been holding contacts with human rights bodies in Belarus to follow up the issue of the deported refugees.
These refugees fled from war-torn Syria, were detained in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk as they were trying to apply for asylum. They had been locked up in miserable incarceration conditions in a jail located about 500 kilometers away from the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
Meanwhile; eight Palestinian refugees from Syria arrived in the Bulgarian territory, where they were detained in a refugee camp under difficult living conditions.
Today, Palestinians in Europe launch their 11th conference in Belgium
The 11th Palestinians in Europe conference is slated to kick off on Saturday in the Belgian capital Brussels with the participation of thousands of Palestinian refugees and some Arab and international figures. The conference will be held under the title "the signs of return are blossoming" and the speakers will table Palestinian central issues such as the right of return, Jerusalem, the prisoners and the blockade on Gaza.
Dozens of Palestinian families will flock to Brussels to participate in the social and folkloric events and activities to be organized on the sidelines of the conference.
Among the most prominent guests of the conference will be Rashed Ghannouchi, head of the Tunisian political movement Al-Nahda, Wadah Khanfar, head of Al-Sharq forum, and Jamal Al-Khudari, head of the popular committee against the siege.
Palestinian lawmaker and ex-detainee Mohamed Abu Tir will be among the speakers at the conference and he will highlight the escalating Judaization activities in occupied Jerusalem.
A festival of documentary films on Palestine will also be held as part of the activities of this annual conference.
Dozens of Palestinian families will flock to Brussels to participate in the social and folkloric events and activities to be organized on the sidelines of the conference.
Among the most prominent guests of the conference will be Rashed Ghannouchi, head of the Tunisian political movement Al-Nahda, Wadah Khanfar, head of Al-Sharq forum, and Jamal Al-Khudari, head of the popular committee against the siege.
Palestinian lawmaker and ex-detainee Mohamed Abu Tir will be among the speakers at the conference and he will highlight the escalating Judaization activities in occupied Jerusalem.
A festival of documentary films on Palestine will also be held as part of the activities of this annual conference.
17 may 2013
Odwan calls for adopting law of return for Palestinian refugees
Dr. Essam Odwan, Head of the Hamas Department of Refugee Affairs, called on Arab Parliaments to adopt the return law for Palestinian refugees issued by the PLC. Adwan's statements came during Palestinian fundamentals conference held in Cairo to mark the 65th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba under the auspices the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Egyptian Awqaf Ministry.
Odwan called on Arab countries to support the Palestinian right of return regionally and internationally, stressing that Palestinian refugees have an internationally recognized right to repatriation and compensation for their suffering.
The Palestinian fundamentals conference was attended by key figures in the Palestinian refugees issue such us the Egyptian and Palestinian ministers of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in addition to other high profile individuals.
Odwan called on Arab countries to support the Palestinian right of return regionally and internationally, stressing that Palestinian refugees have an internationally recognized right to repatriation and compensation for their suffering.
The Palestinian fundamentals conference was attended by key figures in the Palestinian refugees issue such us the Egyptian and Palestinian ministers of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in addition to other high profile individuals.
16 may 2013
Jihad: No surrender of RoR
Islamic Jihad movement has emphasized that the Palestinian refugees’ right of return would never be surrendered regardless of sacrifices and attempts to circumvent it.
The movement said in a statement on Wednesday on the Nakba anniversary that all efforts should be made to reverse Israel’s attempt to perpetuate its occupation of Palestine.
It said that the public should be aware of national constants in light of ongoing attempts to forge history, change geography, and tamper with facts.
Jihad finally declared its rejection of the capitulation projects as envisaged by the Arab peace initiative committee.
For its part, the armed wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, said in a similar statement on Wednesday that there would be no return to Palestine through negotiations.
Abu Obaida, the spokesman for the armed wing, said resistance is the only means to restore Palestinian national rights.
He said that the “Zionist entity” that was established on massacres would be only removed by more sacrifices.
The spokesman pointed out that the Qassam martyrs on the Nakba anniversary had reached 1948.
The movement said in a statement on Wednesday on the Nakba anniversary that all efforts should be made to reverse Israel’s attempt to perpetuate its occupation of Palestine.
It said that the public should be aware of national constants in light of ongoing attempts to forge history, change geography, and tamper with facts.
Jihad finally declared its rejection of the capitulation projects as envisaged by the Arab peace initiative committee.
For its part, the armed wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, said in a similar statement on Wednesday that there would be no return to Palestine through negotiations.
Abu Obaida, the spokesman for the armed wing, said resistance is the only means to restore Palestinian national rights.
He said that the “Zionist entity” that was established on massacres would be only removed by more sacrifices.
The spokesman pointed out that the Qassam martyrs on the Nakba anniversary had reached 1948.
15 may 2013
Haneyya meets delegation of Palestinians in the diaspora
Palestinian premier in Gaza Ismail Haneyya met in his office on Tuesday with a delegation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Haneyya renewed his government’s insistence on national constants especially the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
He urged the host countries to grant those refugees all necessary rights to enable them live a dignified life.
Meanwhile, an expert in international law told Quds Press that the Palestinian refugees’ right of return is inalienable regardless of the lapse of time.
Dr. Hanna Nasser said that the UN resolution 194 passed in 1948 stipulated among other things the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes the soonest and to compensate them for all losses.
He said that the resolution could not be annulled, adding that negotiations with Israeli occupation on RoR should focus on the mechanism for return of those refugees and not discussing the resolution itself.
The Palestinians should insist on this resolution since it supports a “sacred” right for them, Nasser said, adding that the resolution also considered the Palestinians as a people that was expelled from its land and should return to it en masse and not as a group of individuals affected by wars.
He urged the host countries to grant those refugees all necessary rights to enable them live a dignified life.
Meanwhile, an expert in international law told Quds Press that the Palestinian refugees’ right of return is inalienable regardless of the lapse of time.
Dr. Hanna Nasser said that the UN resolution 194 passed in 1948 stipulated among other things the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes the soonest and to compensate them for all losses.
He said that the resolution could not be annulled, adding that negotiations with Israeli occupation on RoR should focus on the mechanism for return of those refugees and not discussing the resolution itself.
The Palestinians should insist on this resolution since it supports a “sacred” right for them, Nasser said, adding that the resolution also considered the Palestinians as a people that was expelled from its land and should return to it en masse and not as a group of individuals affected by wars.
14 may 2013
Convoy of European Wafaa campaign arrives to Syria camps
The convoy of the European Wafaa campaign arrived in Damascus on Monday, from the Lebanon towards the shelters and the Palestinian refugee camps in the Syrian territories.
Amin Abu Rashid, the campaign coordinator, said in a press statement that the convoy comprises a number of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and is considered the first popular movement from abroad to support the refugee camps since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, more than two years ago.
Abu Rashid added that those who accompanied the convoy have started on Tuesday morning to supervise the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Palestinian camps and shelters in Damascus, in coordination with the concerned authorities, so that the aid reaches the targeted places and groups, especially women and children.
The coordinator of the European Wafaa campaign stressed that the convoy is directed to the Palestinians and Syrians alike, pointing out that this first convoy will be followed by other convoys.
Amin Abu Rashid, the campaign coordinator, said in a press statement that the convoy comprises a number of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and is considered the first popular movement from abroad to support the refugee camps since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, more than two years ago.
Abu Rashid added that those who accompanied the convoy have started on Tuesday morning to supervise the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Palestinian camps and shelters in Damascus, in coordination with the concerned authorities, so that the aid reaches the targeted places and groups, especially women and children.
The coordinator of the European Wafaa campaign stressed that the convoy is directed to the Palestinians and Syrians alike, pointing out that this first convoy will be followed by other convoys.
Haneyya calls for an end to Palestinian bloodshed in Syria
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya said on Monday that his government will not stand idle regarding the killing of Palestinians whether inside or outside Palestine.
This came during a conference ''United for Return'' held by Hamas's Department of Refugees Affairs in Gaza with the participation of Arab delegations and Palestinians from diaspora.
Haneyya condemned the killing and massacre of Palestinian refugees in Syria's ongoing conflict, and called for putting an end to the bloodshed in Syria.
"We have hosted in the Gaza Strip hundreds of our people who returned from Syria. They are living now among their families after being displaced due to the situation in Syria," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the right of return and the liberation of Palestine will never be achieved or obtained through negotiations, but through resistance, steadfastness and unity.
The Prime Minister called for an end to the division on the basis of what was signed in Cairo, stressing that Hamas wants to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation in order to join the forces in confronting the occupation.
He also urged the Arab and Islamic nation to unite and support the Palestinian cause.
Haneyya called for adopting the issue of Jordanian prisoners, held in Israeli jails for defending the Palestinian cause, and for expelling of the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo from Amman.
This came during a conference ''United for Return'' held by Hamas's Department of Refugees Affairs in Gaza with the participation of Arab delegations and Palestinians from diaspora.
Haneyya condemned the killing and massacre of Palestinian refugees in Syria's ongoing conflict, and called for putting an end to the bloodshed in Syria.
"We have hosted in the Gaza Strip hundreds of our people who returned from Syria. They are living now among their families after being displaced due to the situation in Syria," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the right of return and the liberation of Palestine will never be achieved or obtained through negotiations, but through resistance, steadfastness and unity.
The Prime Minister called for an end to the division on the basis of what was signed in Cairo, stressing that Hamas wants to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation in order to join the forces in confronting the occupation.
He also urged the Arab and Islamic nation to unite and support the Palestinian cause.
Haneyya called for adopting the issue of Jordanian prisoners, held in Israeli jails for defending the Palestinian cause, and for expelling of the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo from Amman.
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‘Conference for refugees held in Gaza’
A conference for Palestine refugees has been held in Gaza to mark the 65th anniversary of the historic Nakba Day, Press TV reports. Leaders of Palestinian factions and representatives from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Egypt attended the conference, entitled “United for Return.” Following the establishment of the Israeli regime in 1948, some 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homeland because of the threat of being massacred. Palestinians commemorated the dispossession as Nakba. Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Palestinian refugees around the world “assert their adherence to the right of return” on Nakba Day. “The children and the grandchildren of the refugees will never give up the land of |
their ancestors, we will never give up an inch of Palestine not even a grain of sand from the land of Palestine,” he added.
The conference highlighted the right of return for thousands of Palestinian refugees who live in the Middle East and around the world.
It also emphasized the rejection of the Israeli regime’s resettlement or compensation as a substitute for the Palestinian refugee’s right of return.
Maram al-Madhoun, the conference spokeswoman, said the conference was organized to send a message to the world that the Palestinians have the right for return to their own villages and towns.
Organizers also said that the conference aimed to form a coalition of media and law organizations which are interested in refugees affairs and Palestinians right of return to their homeland.
The conference highlighted the right of return for thousands of Palestinian refugees who live in the Middle East and around the world.
It also emphasized the rejection of the Israeli regime’s resettlement or compensation as a substitute for the Palestinian refugee’s right of return.
Maram al-Madhoun, the conference spokeswoman, said the conference was organized to send a message to the world that the Palestinians have the right for return to their own villages and towns.
Organizers also said that the conference aimed to form a coalition of media and law organizations which are interested in refugees affairs and Palestinians right of return to their homeland.
Barghouthi: “Right Of Return, A Sacred Right”
In a statement released from his prison cell, detained Palestinian political leader, Marwan Barghouthi, stated that May 15, marks the 65th anniversary of the Nakba, when Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine, over the ruins of hundreds of displaced and destroyed villages and towns, and added that on this day, the Palestinians reaffirm their legitimate inalienable Right of Return to their homeland.
The Fateh leader said that the Palestinian people will never abandon their legitimate rights, and insist on the implementation of all related international resolutions, including United Nations General Assembly Resolution #194 regarding the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
He said that the Palestinians will continue to struggle for their rights, and added that the Palestinian struggle is noble fight to justice and liberation.
Barghouthi said that the Nakba is one of the ugliest crimes in human recent history, as the Palestinians faced horrific acts of ethnic cleansing, massacres and crimes, and added that Israel uprooted and displaced an entire nation, destroyed and burnt hundreds of villages, churches and mosques to replace them with Israeli cities.
He called on the Palestinian people to unite, and to intensify their legitimate struggle against the Israeli occupation and its settlements, and called for more activities in support of the Palestinian refugees, especially in Syria.
Barghouthi also called on the Palestinians and their factions to end the internal rifts and divisions, to form a unified leadership for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a unified authority, and to form a national unity government that oversees new legislative and presidential elections in Palestine.
He called for more international campaigns, to achieve a full member status at the United Nations, and to conduct a unified strong boycott campaign to isolate Israel on all legal, political, cultural, and economic levels, and to ensure sanctions are imposed on Israel until it ends its illegal occupation and its illegitimate settlements.
In his statement, the detained leader said that the Palestinians must reject all attempts that aim at forcing them to abandon their legitimate rights, to insist on a full and comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from all of the Palestinian territories Israel occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem, to ensure the full implementation of resolution 194, and the liberation of all detainees.
As for direct negotiations with Israel, Barghouthi said that Israel must first acknowledge the legitimate Palestinian rights before talks are resumed, and added that any talk of modifications on the 1967 borders must be rejected.
“The Palestinians must not provide free concessions to the illegal occupation”, Barghouthi stated, “Our people will remain steadfast, and will continue to struggle for liberation, freedom and independence”.
The Palestinian Nakba
The Fateh leader said that the Palestinian people will never abandon their legitimate rights, and insist on the implementation of all related international resolutions, including United Nations General Assembly Resolution #194 regarding the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
He said that the Palestinians will continue to struggle for their rights, and added that the Palestinian struggle is noble fight to justice and liberation.
Barghouthi said that the Nakba is one of the ugliest crimes in human recent history, as the Palestinians faced horrific acts of ethnic cleansing, massacres and crimes, and added that Israel uprooted and displaced an entire nation, destroyed and burnt hundreds of villages, churches and mosques to replace them with Israeli cities.
He called on the Palestinian people to unite, and to intensify their legitimate struggle against the Israeli occupation and its settlements, and called for more activities in support of the Palestinian refugees, especially in Syria.
Barghouthi also called on the Palestinians and their factions to end the internal rifts and divisions, to form a unified leadership for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a unified authority, and to form a national unity government that oversees new legislative and presidential elections in Palestine.
He called for more international campaigns, to achieve a full member status at the United Nations, and to conduct a unified strong boycott campaign to isolate Israel on all legal, political, cultural, and economic levels, and to ensure sanctions are imposed on Israel until it ends its illegal occupation and its illegitimate settlements.
In his statement, the detained leader said that the Palestinians must reject all attempts that aim at forcing them to abandon their legitimate rights, to insist on a full and comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from all of the Palestinian territories Israel occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem, to ensure the full implementation of resolution 194, and the liberation of all detainees.
As for direct negotiations with Israel, Barghouthi said that Israel must first acknowledge the legitimate Palestinian rights before talks are resumed, and added that any talk of modifications on the 1967 borders must be rejected.
“The Palestinians must not provide free concessions to the illegal occupation”, Barghouthi stated, “Our people will remain steadfast, and will continue to struggle for liberation, freedom and independence”.
The Palestinian Nakba
13 may 2013
7 million Palestinian refugees since Palestinian Nakba
More than 7 million Palestinian refugees, uprooted from their homes and lands since the Palestinian Nakba (the usurpation of Palestine), are still hoping to return to their homeland, and reject the notion of land swaps. Many of the Palestinian families who fled Palestine still hold keys to their homes after being forced to leave their lands and homes at gunpoint.
MP Mona Mansour stressed the right of return for all Palestinian refugees who were forcibly expelled from their historical lands. She confirmed her total rejection of the notion of land swaps, warning of its seriousness on the Palestinian cause.
Dr Abdel Sattar Qassem Professor of Political studies confirmed that Nakba anniversary highlights the Palestinian refugees' adherence to their right of return despite their difficult living conditions in refugee camps.
The refugee Ahmed Abu Saada from Jalazoun refugee camp confirmed that the Palestinian right of return will never be compromised. Resistance is the only reliable option to return to our homeland, he stressed.
The Palestinian expert in settlements affairs Khalil Tufkaji expressed his rejection to the idea of land swaps, saying that it legalizes the Israeli settlement and prevents the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian desired state.
The Palestinian right of return is a sacred right inherited by successive generations and no one is entitled to compromise it, the refugee, Hamdan Khamis from the Askar refugee camp east of Nablus said.
In 1948, nearly 714 thousand Palestinians were forcibly displaced from the homes and ended up in various internal and external refugee camps.
Millions of refugees are still displaced in various refugee camps as Israel continues to deny their internationally-guaranteed Right of Return to their homes.
MP Mona Mansour stressed the right of return for all Palestinian refugees who were forcibly expelled from their historical lands. She confirmed her total rejection of the notion of land swaps, warning of its seriousness on the Palestinian cause.
Dr Abdel Sattar Qassem Professor of Political studies confirmed that Nakba anniversary highlights the Palestinian refugees' adherence to their right of return despite their difficult living conditions in refugee camps.
The refugee Ahmed Abu Saada from Jalazoun refugee camp confirmed that the Palestinian right of return will never be compromised. Resistance is the only reliable option to return to our homeland, he stressed.
The Palestinian expert in settlements affairs Khalil Tufkaji expressed his rejection to the idea of land swaps, saying that it legalizes the Israeli settlement and prevents the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian desired state.
The Palestinian right of return is a sacred right inherited by successive generations and no one is entitled to compromise it, the refugee, Hamdan Khamis from the Askar refugee camp east of Nablus said.
In 1948, nearly 714 thousand Palestinians were forcibly displaced from the homes and ended up in various internal and external refugee camps.
Millions of refugees are still displaced in various refugee camps as Israel continues to deny their internationally-guaranteed Right of Return to their homes.
1287 Palestinian martyrs since start of the Syrian revolution
The number of Palestinian martyrs in Syria has amounted to 1287 since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution two years ago during the shelling of the Palestinian refugee camps, the Working Group for the Palestinian Refugees in Syria revealed in its report. "The Palestinian refugee camps are still subjected to continuous shelling and unjust blockade imposed by the Syria regime forces which led to the depletion of their basic human needs," the report explained.
"The choking blockade in al-Husayniyah refugee camp led to the depletion of food supplies, flour and fuel with their houses bombed continuously, in addition to the bombing of markets and citizen gatherings areas," the report added.
The Working Group confirmed that a state of panic has prevailed among the Palestinian refugees in Khan Sheikh Refugee camp this morning due to the shelling and bombing in the neighboring areas.
A number of shells landed in the vicinity of the camp led to several injuries and huge damage in the area.
The report also pointed that the Palestinians refugees live in difficult conditions due to the shortage of food and medicines in addition to the power, water and communication outages.
Palestinian refugees in Dara'a camp have appealed to Palestinian factions, the PLO, and the Arab League to work seriously to neutralize the Palestinian refugee camps from Syria's internal conflict.
"The choking blockade in al-Husayniyah refugee camp led to the depletion of food supplies, flour and fuel with their houses bombed continuously, in addition to the bombing of markets and citizen gatherings areas," the report added.
The Working Group confirmed that a state of panic has prevailed among the Palestinian refugees in Khan Sheikh Refugee camp this morning due to the shelling and bombing in the neighboring areas.
A number of shells landed in the vicinity of the camp led to several injuries and huge damage in the area.
The report also pointed that the Palestinians refugees live in difficult conditions due to the shortage of food and medicines in addition to the power, water and communication outages.
Palestinian refugees in Dara'a camp have appealed to Palestinian factions, the PLO, and the Arab League to work seriously to neutralize the Palestinian refugee camps from Syria's internal conflict.
10 may 2013
Al-Wafaa campaign organizes first aid convoy to Palestinians in Syria camps
European al-Wafaa campaign announced it will send the first aid convoy to the Palestinians in the refugee camps inside the Syrian territories early next week. This popular move is considered the first of its kind from abroad, sent to support the Syrian camps since the start of the crisis, more than two years ago.
The campaign said in a press statement on Thursday it obtained approvals from the Syrian authorities, after having completed collecting the donations and buying supplies to aid those affected by the Syrian conflict.
The campaign revealed that the convoy will be launched on Saturday morning from the area of Deir Zannoun in Lebanon, where the trucks loaded with aid will converge in preparation for entering the Syrian territories.
It said that this convoy has been organized in coordination with some international bodies, as the UNRWA, and asserted that it will be followed by other convoys.
European Wafaa campaign carried out several relief operations for Palestinian refugees who fled from Syria camps towards Jordan and Lebanon, during the past few months.
A delegation of the campaign had also held field visits to Palestinian refugees to support them and provide them with in-kind assistance.
The campaign said in a press statement on Thursday it obtained approvals from the Syrian authorities, after having completed collecting the donations and buying supplies to aid those affected by the Syrian conflict.
The campaign revealed that the convoy will be launched on Saturday morning from the area of Deir Zannoun in Lebanon, where the trucks loaded with aid will converge in preparation for entering the Syrian territories.
It said that this convoy has been organized in coordination with some international bodies, as the UNRWA, and asserted that it will be followed by other convoys.
European Wafaa campaign carried out several relief operations for Palestinian refugees who fled from Syria camps towards Jordan and Lebanon, during the past few months.
A delegation of the campaign had also held field visits to Palestinian refugees to support them and provide them with in-kind assistance.
9 may 2013
Report: 56,000 Palestinian refugees fled Syria to neighboring Lebanon, Jordan
The action group for Palestinians in Syria has said that around 6,000 Palestinian refugees had left Syria for Jordan while around 50,000 others had gone to Lebanon.
The group said in a statement on Thursday that the refugees fled war-torn Syria after shelling and shooting targeted their refugee camps.
The reported noted that a number of shells slammed into Khan Al-Sheikh refugee camp causing big material damage while another salvo on Wednesday night caused injuries among camp inhabitants.
It pointed out that the inhabitants were suffering from high prices and shortages in foodstuff and bread after flour ran out of stock in the camp.
The report said that a bomb shell exploded in Husseiniya refugee camp and its inhabitants were suffering as a result of the blockade imposed on the camp by the Syrian regular army, adding that foodstuff, fuel and flour were scarce.
The group said in a statement on Thursday that the refugees fled war-torn Syria after shelling and shooting targeted their refugee camps.
The reported noted that a number of shells slammed into Khan Al-Sheikh refugee camp causing big material damage while another salvo on Wednesday night caused injuries among camp inhabitants.
It pointed out that the inhabitants were suffering from high prices and shortages in foodstuff and bread after flour ran out of stock in the camp.
The report said that a bomb shell exploded in Husseiniya refugee camp and its inhabitants were suffering as a result of the blockade imposed on the camp by the Syrian regular army, adding that foodstuff, fuel and flour were scarce.
6 may 2013
Odwan meets with UNRWA director in Gaza
Dr. Essam Adwan, Head of the Hamas Department of Refugee Affairs, met with UNRWA's Director of Operations in Gaza, Robert Turner, at the agency's headquarters on Sunday. During the meeting, Adwan called on the UNRWA's director to resume its services and to increase, not reduce, the aid supplies that it gives to needy families.
He also called on UNRWA to reveal its criteria in classifying the refugees' needs and to develop a strategy to for poverty eradication among the refugees.
Hamas Department of Refugee Affairs demanded to improve the agency's image through alleviating the electricity crisis in the refugee camps.
He also called on UNRWA to reveal its criteria in classifying the refugees' needs and to develop a strategy to for poverty eradication among the refugees.
Hamas Department of Refugee Affairs demanded to improve the agency's image through alleviating the electricity crisis in the refugee camps.
3 may 2013
3 Palestinians killed in Syria violence, group says
Three more Palestinians have killed in Syria, the Damascus-based working group for Palestine said Friday.
Ihsan Ramzi Qadoura, 53, from Yarmouk refugee camp was shot dead on Thursday, the group said.
Amar Ali Shihabi was killed in the field and Adel Abu al-Hassan from al-Aiden refugee camp died Homs, according to the group.
Ihsan Ramzi Qadoura, 53, from Yarmouk refugee camp was shot dead on Thursday, the group said.
Amar Ali Shihabi was killed in the field and Adel Abu al-Hassan from al-Aiden refugee camp died Homs, according to the group.
Grenade attack injures 4 in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon: officials
The Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp
Four people have been injured when a hand grenade exploded in a Palestinian refugee camp in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, security officials say.
The device exploded in the Mansheyyeh neighborhood in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp on Thursday, The Daily Star reported on its website.
Two women and two children were wounded in the incident.
“I was walking with my two children near our house when I heard the explosion and all of a sudden blood started coming down my face,” said Jamila al-Mannaa, one of the victims.
“I tried to cover my children but I collapsed,” she added.
Ain al-Hilweh is Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp housing more than 45,000 people.
Four people have been injured when a hand grenade exploded in a Palestinian refugee camp in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, security officials say.
The device exploded in the Mansheyyeh neighborhood in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp on Thursday, The Daily Star reported on its website.
Two women and two children were wounded in the incident.
“I was walking with my two children near our house when I heard the explosion and all of a sudden blood started coming down my face,” said Jamila al-Mannaa, one of the victims.
“I tried to cover my children but I collapsed,” she added.
Ain al-Hilweh is Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp housing more than 45,000 people.
2 may 2013
1267 Palestinian martyrs since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution
The Working Group for Palestinian Refugees in Syria confirmed that nearly 1267 Palestinian refugees were martyred in Syria while tens of thousands were displaced since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution. The Working Group called on UNRWA to intervene to stop the continued conflict in Syria that led to a real humanitarian disaster, noting that the Palestinian refugees are subjected to heinous crimes where 235 thousands refugees were displaced in Syria.
The Group expressed, in a statement on Thursday, its concern towards the displacement of about 6000 Palestinian refugees on April 26 from Ein el-Tal refugee camp in Aleppo in northern Syria.
The Group's reporter confirmed the martyrdom of 4 Palestinian refugees in Syria in light of the continued shelling on Palestinian camps.
Al-A'adin Palestinian refugee camp was subjected to shelling where several injuries were reported, while the Syrian regime forces have stormed the camp looking for "wanted" amid intensive fire.
In al-Sabina refugee camp, the shelling targeted al-Khodra market, no one was injured. The reporter pointed out to the food and fuel shortage in the camp.
A state of tension and panic prevailed in Khan al-Sheikh refugee camp after a rocket landed in the camp causing a huge fire. The camp still suffers food shortage and power and communication outages.
Yarmouk refugee camp is still witnessing a difficult living condition due to the continued siege imposed by the regime army, led to food and fuel shortage and lack of medicines.
The Group expressed, in a statement on Thursday, its concern towards the displacement of about 6000 Palestinian refugees on April 26 from Ein el-Tal refugee camp in Aleppo in northern Syria.
The Group's reporter confirmed the martyrdom of 4 Palestinian refugees in Syria in light of the continued shelling on Palestinian camps.
Al-A'adin Palestinian refugee camp was subjected to shelling where several injuries were reported, while the Syrian regime forces have stormed the camp looking for "wanted" amid intensive fire.
In al-Sabina refugee camp, the shelling targeted al-Khodra market, no one was injured. The reporter pointed out to the food and fuel shortage in the camp.
A state of tension and panic prevailed in Khan al-Sheikh refugee camp after a rocket landed in the camp causing a huge fire. The camp still suffers food shortage and power and communication outages.
Yarmouk refugee camp is still witnessing a difficult living condition due to the continued siege imposed by the regime army, led to food and fuel shortage and lack of medicines.
30 apr 2013
UNRWA Condemns Mass displacement of Palestine Refugees in Syria
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) condemned in a statement issued Tuesday the mass displacement of Palestine refugees in war-torn Syria.
“Palestine refugees in Syria are being killed, injured and displaced in greater numbers than ever before, as the armed conflict continues to overwhelm refugee camps across the country,” said the statement, estimating that approximately 235,000 Palestine refugees have been displaced inside Syria.
It said it was particularly concerned about news that some 6,000 Palestinians have been displaced on Friday from Ein El Tal refugee camp some 12 kilometers from Aleppo in northern Syria.
UNRWA said armed opposition groups occupied Ein El Tal camp in the early morning hours of Friday, declared it a “military zone” and exchanged gunfire with forces loyal to the government who were inside the camp.
Mortars and small arms were reportedly used, damaging and destroying refugee homes and contributing to dozens of fatalities and injuries, including among Palestinian civilians.
In the aftermath of the fighting, a number of young Palestine refugee men were reportedly taken away by the armed opposition groups who now remain in Ein El Tal camp, where a situation of high tension prevails.
UNRWA said its staff made arrangements to assist the displaced refugees by providing food and cash assistance as many were still seeking temporary accommodation in Aleppo city.
“UNRWA’s response efforts are continuing amidst reports that significant numbers of the displaced refugees may be trapped without adequate shelter in rural areas around Aleppo where intense armed conflict continues to rage,” said the statement.
“Events in Ein El Tal mirror the tragic experience of other Palestine refugee camps – Dera’a Camp, Yarmouk in Damascus City and Husseiniyeh, Khan Eshieh, Sbeineh, and Seida Zaynab Camps in the wider Damascus area. Ein El Tal is the latest manifestation of a cycle of catastrophic violence in which the conduct of all parties has transformed Palestine refugee camps into theatres of conflict in which heavy weapons are used, resulting in severe suffering for Palestinian civilians,” it said.
UNRWA condemned the conduct of armed conflict in civilian areas and the failure of all parties to safeguard the safety and lives of Syrian and Palestinian civilians, stressing that international humanitarian law obliges all parties to protect civilians.
It appealed to all sides to halt the human suffering caused by the conflict in Syria, and to resolve their differences through dialogue and political negotiations.
“Palestine refugees in Syria are being killed, injured and displaced in greater numbers than ever before, as the armed conflict continues to overwhelm refugee camps across the country,” said the statement, estimating that approximately 235,000 Palestine refugees have been displaced inside Syria.
It said it was particularly concerned about news that some 6,000 Palestinians have been displaced on Friday from Ein El Tal refugee camp some 12 kilometers from Aleppo in northern Syria.
UNRWA said armed opposition groups occupied Ein El Tal camp in the early morning hours of Friday, declared it a “military zone” and exchanged gunfire with forces loyal to the government who were inside the camp.
Mortars and small arms were reportedly used, damaging and destroying refugee homes and contributing to dozens of fatalities and injuries, including among Palestinian civilians.
In the aftermath of the fighting, a number of young Palestine refugee men were reportedly taken away by the armed opposition groups who now remain in Ein El Tal camp, where a situation of high tension prevails.
UNRWA said its staff made arrangements to assist the displaced refugees by providing food and cash assistance as many were still seeking temporary accommodation in Aleppo city.
“UNRWA’s response efforts are continuing amidst reports that significant numbers of the displaced refugees may be trapped without adequate shelter in rural areas around Aleppo where intense armed conflict continues to rage,” said the statement.
“Events in Ein El Tal mirror the tragic experience of other Palestine refugee camps – Dera’a Camp, Yarmouk in Damascus City and Husseiniyeh, Khan Eshieh, Sbeineh, and Seida Zaynab Camps in the wider Damascus area. Ein El Tal is the latest manifestation of a cycle of catastrophic violence in which the conduct of all parties has transformed Palestine refugee camps into theatres of conflict in which heavy weapons are used, resulting in severe suffering for Palestinian civilians,” it said.
UNRWA condemned the conduct of armed conflict in civilian areas and the failure of all parties to safeguard the safety and lives of Syrian and Palestinian civilians, stressing that international humanitarian law obliges all parties to protect civilians.
It appealed to all sides to halt the human suffering caused by the conflict in Syria, and to resolve their differences through dialogue and political negotiations.
Baraka: reconstruction of refugee camps reinforces their steadfastness
A Hamas delegation headed by its representative in Lebanon, Ali Baraka, participated on Monday in the inauguration of the infrastructure project in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh.
The inauguration was attended by Japanese ambassador in Lebanon Seche Otsuka, the UNRWA director in Lebanon, Ann Desmor, and the Governor of Southern Lebanon Nicola Bou Daher and representatives of the Lebanese army and internal Security Forces and the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue Committee in addition to representatives of the Palestinian factions.
Baraka praised the Japanese and UNRWA's efforts in supporting the Palestinian refugees and the Palestinian right of return, saying that the reconstruction of Palestinian refugee camps reinforces the refugees' steadfastness and determination to return to their land.
He stressed the Palestinian refugees' adherence to the right of return, adding that the Palestinian refugees will never be a part of any internal Lebanese conflict.
He denounced the false accusations about Palestinian fighters being mobilized to fight in Lebanon and Syria, stressing his movement’s keenness on the unity of both Lebanon and Syria.
The inauguration was attended by Japanese ambassador in Lebanon Seche Otsuka, the UNRWA director in Lebanon, Ann Desmor, and the Governor of Southern Lebanon Nicola Bou Daher and representatives of the Lebanese army and internal Security Forces and the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue Committee in addition to representatives of the Palestinian factions.
Baraka praised the Japanese and UNRWA's efforts in supporting the Palestinian refugees and the Palestinian right of return, saying that the reconstruction of Palestinian refugee camps reinforces the refugees' steadfastness and determination to return to their land.
He stressed the Palestinian refugees' adherence to the right of return, adding that the Palestinian refugees will never be a part of any internal Lebanese conflict.
He denounced the false accusations about Palestinian fighters being mobilized to fight in Lebanon and Syria, stressing his movement’s keenness on the unity of both Lebanon and Syria.
29 apr 2013
UNRWA transfers security employees from its head office, step denounced
The UNRWA has embarked on transferring many of its security personnel from its main headquarters to its regional office in Gaza as part of preparations believed to be intended for shutting down its head office.
An official from the union of local civil servants told the Palestinian information center that the UNRWA, without prior notice, transferred 12 of its security staff members from its head office to its regional office.
He stated that the union was surprised by this decision, especially since the UNRWA denied it transferred employees following the transfers it had carried out in April last year.
According to him, the UNRWA had transferred last year six of its important employees working in the finance department from its head office.
Many members of the union of the local civil servants participated in a rally on Sunday outside the main headquarters of the UNRWA presidency in Gaza city to express their rejection of such transfers.
Hamas's refugee affairs bureau described such decision by the UNRWA as part of the moves declared by the UNRWA to shrink its relief services in Gaza.
Isam Adwan, head of the bureau, expressed his belief, in a press statement to the PIC, that the UNRWA started to transfer its employees as a prelude to shutting down its head office in Gaza and relocating many of its employees to Jordan.
For its part, The UNRWA denied on Sunday it had intentions to shut down any of its Gaza offices.
Its spokesman Adnan Abu Hasna said that the procedures taken were administrative and had nothing to do with shutting down the offices in Gaza
An official from the union of local civil servants told the Palestinian information center that the UNRWA, without prior notice, transferred 12 of its security staff members from its head office to its regional office.
He stated that the union was surprised by this decision, especially since the UNRWA denied it transferred employees following the transfers it had carried out in April last year.
According to him, the UNRWA had transferred last year six of its important employees working in the finance department from its head office.
Many members of the union of the local civil servants participated in a rally on Sunday outside the main headquarters of the UNRWA presidency in Gaza city to express their rejection of such transfers.
Hamas's refugee affairs bureau described such decision by the UNRWA as part of the moves declared by the UNRWA to shrink its relief services in Gaza.
Isam Adwan, head of the bureau, expressed his belief, in a press statement to the PIC, that the UNRWA started to transfer its employees as a prelude to shutting down its head office in Gaza and relocating many of its employees to Jordan.
For its part, The UNRWA denied on Sunday it had intentions to shut down any of its Gaza offices.
Its spokesman Adnan Abu Hasna said that the procedures taken were administrative and had nothing to do with shutting down the offices in Gaza
28 apr 2013
Brazil Donates 11.500 Tons of Rice Stocks to UNRWA
Brazil’s major rice producing state, Rio Grande do Sul, through the Federal Government of Brazil, donated 11.500 metric tons of rice stocks to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), said an UNRWA press release on Sunday.
Rio Grande do Sul Governor, Tarso Genro said in Shufa’at refugee camp, in Jerusalem “I am delighted to be here among the Palestinian refugees who will benefit from this food produced in my state.”
Genro said that it was important for him to come and see for himself the conditions the refugees face in this divided city, under occupation and annexation.
He said, “I bring with me the support – financial and political – of the people I represent, in the hope that this forgotten refugee population will find justice.”
The supplies, which represent all of UNRWA’s rice needs for this year, will be distributed across the areas where the Agency works: the occupied Palestinian territory ( Gaza and the West Bank), Jordan , Lebanon and Syria.
UNRWA’s Executive Director, Filippo Grandi, said that Brazil is a major supporter of UNRWA and this donation is further evidence of that.
He said, “We will certainly be putting these supplies from Brazil ’s food surplus to good use.”
Rio Grande do Sul Governor, Tarso Genro said in Shufa’at refugee camp, in Jerusalem “I am delighted to be here among the Palestinian refugees who will benefit from this food produced in my state.”
Genro said that it was important for him to come and see for himself the conditions the refugees face in this divided city, under occupation and annexation.
He said, “I bring with me the support – financial and political – of the people I represent, in the hope that this forgotten refugee population will find justice.”
The supplies, which represent all of UNRWA’s rice needs for this year, will be distributed across the areas where the Agency works: the occupied Palestinian territory ( Gaza and the West Bank), Jordan , Lebanon and Syria.
UNRWA’s Executive Director, Filippo Grandi, said that Brazil is a major supporter of UNRWA and this donation is further evidence of that.
He said, “We will certainly be putting these supplies from Brazil ’s food surplus to good use.”
UNRWA says no plans to close Gaza office
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has no plans to shut down its Gaza office, spokesman Adnan Abu Hasna said Sunday.
In early April, UNRWA closed its Gaza office after an escalation in protests against the reduction in financial assistance to vulnerable refugees.
Speaking to Ma'an via telephone, Abu Hasna said that only UNRWA's general commissioner could make a decision about closing UNRWA offices, and there are no such plans to do so.
Twelve security guards have been transferred to the UN agency's Gaza office as a security measure, he added.
UNRWA started distributing food aid to refugees this week after suspending the service on April 4 after protestors stormed a UN depot.
In early April, UNRWA closed its Gaza office after an escalation in protests against the reduction in financial assistance to vulnerable refugees.
Speaking to Ma'an via telephone, Abu Hasna said that only UNRWA's general commissioner could make a decision about closing UNRWA offices, and there are no such plans to do so.
Twelve security guards have been transferred to the UN agency's Gaza office as a security measure, he added.
UNRWA started distributing food aid to refugees this week after suspending the service on April 4 after protestors stormed a UN depot.
27 apr 2013
Abu Marzouk appeals to UNRWA to open office in Egypt
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk urged UNRWA to open an office in Egypt to serve the Palestinian refugees who fled their homes in Syria.
Abu Marzouk stated on his facebook page that the solution to the suffering of the Palestinian refugees in Egypt is to open an UNRWA office there.
He pointed out that the problems of the Palestinians coming from Syria to Egypt are related to residence, work, education, and housing.
The Hamas official stressed that the UN high commissioner for refugees refuses to deal with the Palestinian refugees at the pretext that UNRWA is responsible for them while the latter claims that it is not operating in Egypt.
The official also noted that the Egyptian president had issued a decree to treat the Syrian refugees equally as the Egyptian citizens, but his decision did not include the Palestinian refugees from Syria.
Abu Marzouk highlighted that Hamas is also responsible for those Palestinian refugees fleeing from Syria and has not ceased its relief efforts or contacts with the concerned parties in order to alleviate their suffering.
He called on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine liberation organization (PLO) to shoulder their responsibilities in this regard and join the efforts aimed at helping the Palestinian refugees in Egypt and other countries.
Abu Marzouk stated on his facebook page that the solution to the suffering of the Palestinian refugees in Egypt is to open an UNRWA office there.
He pointed out that the problems of the Palestinians coming from Syria to Egypt are related to residence, work, education, and housing.
The Hamas official stressed that the UN high commissioner for refugees refuses to deal with the Palestinian refugees at the pretext that UNRWA is responsible for them while the latter claims that it is not operating in Egypt.
The official also noted that the Egyptian president had issued a decree to treat the Syrian refugees equally as the Egyptian citizens, but his decision did not include the Palestinian refugees from Syria.
Abu Marzouk highlighted that Hamas is also responsible for those Palestinian refugees fleeing from Syria and has not ceased its relief efforts or contacts with the concerned parties in order to alleviate their suffering.
He called on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine liberation organization (PLO) to shoulder their responsibilities in this regard and join the efforts aimed at helping the Palestinian refugees in Egypt and other countries.
Action group: Ten Palestinian refugees detained in Ukraine
Ten Palestinian refugees, who fled from war-torn Syria, were detained in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk as they were trying to apply for asylum. These refugees, including two pregnant women and two children, are being locked up until now in miserable incarceration conditions in a jail located about 500 kilometers away from the Ukrainian capital Kiev, according to the action group for the Palestinians in Syria.
The action group said that the women along with the children are locked up inside filthy and smelly rooms separately from their men and all of them are provided inedible food except for one piece of boiled potato served in the evening.
The group affirmed that these refugees were arrested on a charge of entering the country illegally, but such charge could be dropped if their asylum application were processed without delay by the Ukrainian authorities, which is known for its red tape.
It warned that the refugees could stay in jail for a long time, maybe a year, because there is no one human rights group following up their case and the Palestinian Authority embassy in the Ukraine does not care about them.
The group expressed its fears over the health conditions of the pregnant women who do not receive any kind of medical care by the prison administration, noting that one of the pregnant women, who are in her sixth month of pregnancy, started a hunger strike two days ago.
The action group said that the women along with the children are locked up inside filthy and smelly rooms separately from their men and all of them are provided inedible food except for one piece of boiled potato served in the evening.
The group affirmed that these refugees were arrested on a charge of entering the country illegally, but such charge could be dropped if their asylum application were processed without delay by the Ukrainian authorities, which is known for its red tape.
It warned that the refugees could stay in jail for a long time, maybe a year, because there is no one human rights group following up their case and the Palestinian Authority embassy in the Ukraine does not care about them.
The group expressed its fears over the health conditions of the pregnant women who do not receive any kind of medical care by the prison administration, noting that one of the pregnant women, who are in her sixth month of pregnancy, started a hunger strike two days ago.
23 apr 2013
Russia donates $2m to UNRWA
Russia donated two million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the first time ever.
UNRWA said in a press release on Tuesday that the donation would be used to support its programs in the fields of education, health, and social care offered to around five million Palestinian refugees registered with the agency.
Russian ambassador to the Palestinian Authority Alexander Rudakov said that his country’s donation aims at alleviating the difficult living conditions of Palestinian refugees.
He said that the lives of thousands of those refugees depend on services extended to them by UNRWA.
UNRWA said in a press release on Tuesday that the donation would be used to support its programs in the fields of education, health, and social care offered to around five million Palestinian refugees registered with the agency.
Russian ambassador to the Palestinian Authority Alexander Rudakov said that his country’s donation aims at alleviating the difficult living conditions of Palestinian refugees.
He said that the lives of thousands of those refugees depend on services extended to them by UNRWA.
