17 jan 2014
Dozens of people have staged a sit-in in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday at the Red Cross headquarters in support of Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria.
Dozens have participated in the sit-in including women and children, carrying a number of victims' pictures who starved to death and banners condemning the siege imposed on the camp.
The participants have collected during the sit-in relief supplies including blankets, medications and human basic needs to be sent in aid truck to the besieged camp.
In case they couldn't manage to have access to the camp, the aid supplies would be sent to Zaatari camp.
The campaign aims to shed light on Yarmouk refugee camp suffering, the participants said.
Dozens have participated in the sit-in including women and children, carrying a number of victims' pictures who starved to death and banners condemning the siege imposed on the camp.
The participants have collected during the sit-in relief supplies including blankets, medications and human basic needs to be sent in aid truck to the besieged camp.
In case they couldn't manage to have access to the camp, the aid supplies would be sent to Zaatari camp.
The campaign aims to shed light on Yarmouk refugee camp suffering, the participants said.
16 jan 2014
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Seven Palestinian refugees were killed and dozens injured late Thursday in a bombing that targeted Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus.
The head of the Omari Battalion, a Free Syrian Army militant group, told Ma'an that a military helicopter dropped an explosive barrel on houses in the "Palestine Park" area of the camp. The injured were still being removed from the debris and taken to hospitals, Ismail Abu Hani al-Omari said. The explosion destroyed three buildings and caused extensive damage, al-Omari said. Militants in the village of Yalda west of the camp hit the helicopter with a missile after it struck the camp, he added. |
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The forces responsible for the strike were not immediately identified.
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. The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but |
developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
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Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO) said that the siege imposed on the Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria and the prevention of the entry of aid convoys have caused the death of big numbers of refugees. The Network said in a statement on Thursday that hundreds of victims died in the Yarmouk camp, due to the continued shelling and the systematic blockade that caused starvation and the spread of diseases.
It stressed that exposing the Palestinian refugees to shelling and siege, by the forces of the Syrian army or other armed groups, is a crime against humanity. The PNGO also stressed that the international refugee law has provided |
comprehensive protection for refugees, and urged the UN Relief and Works Agency "UNRWA" to shoulder its responsibilities and protect the Palestinian refugees.
It also called on the international community to immediately intervene to lift the siege on the Yarmouk camp, and address the humanitarian crisis inside it by providing humanitarian and medical services for the besieged people.
The Yarmouk camp has been exposed to a genocidal and continuous blockade since July 2013. Dozens of refugees died of hunger, while thousands have been displaced as a result of the ongoing shelling.
It also called on the international community to immediately intervene to lift the siege on the Yarmouk camp, and address the humanitarian crisis inside it by providing humanitarian and medical services for the besieged people.
The Yarmouk camp has been exposed to a genocidal and continuous blockade since July 2013. Dozens of refugees died of hunger, while thousands have been displaced as a result of the ongoing shelling.
About 50 protesters gathered outside the UNRWA headquarters in Bethlehem on Wednesday in support for the striking UNRWA employees and their demands for higher salaries and increasing services in the refugee camps in the West Bank. The demonstrators also highlighted the desperate need of an end of the siege of Yarnouk refugee camp in Syria.
”We are here to support the UNRWA employees in their struggle for increasing services for the Palestinian refugees and for their struggle for decent salaries. We all support the strike,” said Lubna Shomali from Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights while holding a banner reading ”Full Protection for Palestine Refugees is an International Obligation”.
Badil resource center was one of the national factions, institutions, committees, trade unions and civil society actors in the Bethlehem district who called for the demonstration. In a statement they emphasized that UNRWA’s obligations to provide basic services to refugees ”are not diminished as a result of reduced budget. UNRWA must develop mechanisms to ensure an adequate budget through the General Assembly, as other international agencys do.”
”It is also a matter of how the existing funds are distributed. Today non-palestinian employees at UNRWA are paid in average 40 percent more than the Palestinian employees. That is not fair and it is not a good way to distribute the funds,” says Lubna Shomali from Badil Resource Center who thinks that UNRWA needs to review how the funds are distributed and make sure that as much as possible of the funds actually goes to the much needed services in the refugee camps.
In the West Bank, 5000 Palestinian employees at UNRWA are on strike since 3rd of december last year demanding higher salaries and permanent contracts instead of short term contracts. The strike started 3rd December and have left 51,000 children out of school since then, over 40 health clinics are closed and garbage are piling up at the camps.
UNRWA says in a statement that salary increases ”are not possible at this time because our staff in Palestine are paid over twenty per cent more on average than the Palestinian Authority pays in equivalent jobs” and that the salaries to the Palestinian employes thus are within the agency’s salary policy.
UNRWA has for many years been struggling with insufficient funding and has started every year with a large budget deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 65 million.
”We are here to support the UNRWA employees in their struggle for increasing services for the Palestinian refugees and for their struggle for decent salaries. We all support the strike,” said Lubna Shomali from Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights while holding a banner reading ”Full Protection for Palestine Refugees is an International Obligation”.
Badil resource center was one of the national factions, institutions, committees, trade unions and civil society actors in the Bethlehem district who called for the demonstration. In a statement they emphasized that UNRWA’s obligations to provide basic services to refugees ”are not diminished as a result of reduced budget. UNRWA must develop mechanisms to ensure an adequate budget through the General Assembly, as other international agencys do.”
”It is also a matter of how the existing funds are distributed. Today non-palestinian employees at UNRWA are paid in average 40 percent more than the Palestinian employees. That is not fair and it is not a good way to distribute the funds,” says Lubna Shomali from Badil Resource Center who thinks that UNRWA needs to review how the funds are distributed and make sure that as much as possible of the funds actually goes to the much needed services in the refugee camps.
In the West Bank, 5000 Palestinian employees at UNRWA are on strike since 3rd of december last year demanding higher salaries and permanent contracts instead of short term contracts. The strike started 3rd December and have left 51,000 children out of school since then, over 40 health clinics are closed and garbage are piling up at the camps.
UNRWA says in a statement that salary increases ”are not possible at this time because our staff in Palestine are paid over twenty per cent more on average than the Palestinian Authority pays in equivalent jobs” and that the salaries to the Palestinian employes thus are within the agency’s salary policy.
UNRWA has for many years been struggling with insufficient funding and has started every year with a large budget deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 65 million.
The Hamas Movement asked all armed militants in the Palestinian refugee camp of Al-Yarmouk to leave it immediately in order to avoid further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
"We urgently call on all armed men inside Al-Yarmouk camp to leave it in order to save the lives of 50,000 civilians, including women, children, and patients, in response to the intensive efforts being made to end the crisis of the camp," Hamas stated in a press release on Wednesday.
Hamas also urged human rights groups, the UN, the Arab League and the organization of Islamic cooperation to shoulder their responsibilities, and move urgently to end the inhumane blockade on the camp and provide humanitarian aid to its residents.
The Movement stressed that the humanitarian disaster in Al-Yarmouk camp has exceeded all limits of human endurance and become an unprecedented tragedy.
It affirmed that its leadership has made concerted efforts and contacted all concerned parties in order to find an urgent way out saving the lives of the Palestinian refugees in the camp, noting its efforts in this regard are still ongoing.
"We urgently call on all armed men inside Al-Yarmouk camp to leave it in order to save the lives of 50,000 civilians, including women, children, and patients, in response to the intensive efforts being made to end the crisis of the camp," Hamas stated in a press release on Wednesday.
Hamas also urged human rights groups, the UN, the Arab League and the organization of Islamic cooperation to shoulder their responsibilities, and move urgently to end the inhumane blockade on the camp and provide humanitarian aid to its residents.
The Movement stressed that the humanitarian disaster in Al-Yarmouk camp has exceeded all limits of human endurance and become an unprecedented tragedy.
It affirmed that its leadership has made concerted efforts and contacted all concerned parties in order to find an urgent way out saving the lives of the Palestinian refugees in the camp, noting its efforts in this regard are still ongoing.
Ezzat Resheq, member of Hamas's political bureau, warned the Palestinian negotiator against responding to the options proposed by US secretary of state John Kerry concerning resolving the issue of refugees, which cancel the right of return. Resheq said in a press statement on Wednesday that Kerry's options represent a conspiracy against one of the Palestinian constants that is the right of return, and stressed that the Palestinians at home and abroad will not accept any option except the return to their homeland.
He emphasized that the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their towns and villages from which they have been forcibly displaced is a sacred inalienable right, and that any partial or interim solution that does not include recognizing the right of return of all refugees is unacceptable.
Resheq also called on all the Palestinian factions and forces to adopt a unified position against Kerry's plan that aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian institutions in Europe that are active in the field of the right of return denounced the statements made by Mahmoud Abbas, in which he considered the right of return an individual right and alluded to the possibility of compensating the refugees in exchange for ceding their right to return to their homeland.
These institutions said in a statement that Abbas's remarks would pave the way for new concessions regarding the Palestinian rights, and stressed that the right of return is legally guaranteed as an inalienable, individual and collective right.
They also confirmed that no one has the right to dispose of the right of return, and called on the Palestinian leadership to adopt a national strategy that will end the suffering of the Palestinian refugees.
He emphasized that the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their towns and villages from which they have been forcibly displaced is a sacred inalienable right, and that any partial or interim solution that does not include recognizing the right of return of all refugees is unacceptable.
Resheq also called on all the Palestinian factions and forces to adopt a unified position against Kerry's plan that aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian institutions in Europe that are active in the field of the right of return denounced the statements made by Mahmoud Abbas, in which he considered the right of return an individual right and alluded to the possibility of compensating the refugees in exchange for ceding their right to return to their homeland.
These institutions said in a statement that Abbas's remarks would pave the way for new concessions regarding the Palestinian rights, and stressed that the right of return is legally guaranteed as an inalienable, individual and collective right.
They also confirmed that no one has the right to dispose of the right of return, and called on the Palestinian leadership to adopt a national strategy that will end the suffering of the Palestinian refugees.
Although the United States has insisted to the Israelis and Palestinians that all five permanent-status issues are part of the US-brokered negotiations, it was only when an Israeli radio report mentioned the issue that the topic suddenly gained credibility in the eyes of many skeptics. The Palestine News Network (PNN) ran a short translation from Israeli radio, confirming that US Secretary of State John Kerry had made reference to the issue of Palestinian refugees and that he had put forward four locations for their absorption.
Kerry's suggestion no doubt reflects the various discussions, differences and understandings between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinians have repeatedly insisted that Israel acknowledge its historic and moral responsibility in creating the Palestinian refugee problem. Many expect that this issue, more than any actual agreement on numbers, could be the gateway to a breakthrough.
After the issue of who is responsible is resolved, it is understood that Palestinian refugees are to be given choices, including returning to their homeland in Palestine, staying where they are or going to certain third countries. The fourth option, which is highly contested, calls for some Palestinians to settle in Israel. The issue is finessed by having this small population absorbed over a number of years based on Israel approving it within the context of family reunification.
The Arab Peace Initiative dealt with the issue of refugees by citing UN Resolution 194, which calls for the right of return. The initiative perspective then added, however, that "an agreed" solution must be found. This key phrase gives the Israelis a virtual veto on any solution it does not consider acceptable.
The discussions on this issue over the years are best summarized in a Canadian effort referred to generally as the Ottawa Process, a mostly academic project led by Canadian academics and former diplomats connected to McGill University. The project's website, Palestinian Refugee ResearchNet, contains research and discussions on the history of Palestinian refugees and various proposals regarding them. This information is available to everyone.
Experts in refugee issues say that putting aside politics, polemics and narratives, the most efficient way to resolve the Palestinian refugee issue requires three basic steps: acceptance, choosing return options and implementation, including compensation. Refugees agreeing to resolve their status in this way would have to sign a document to that effect and would receive an immediate cash payment. This would also necessarily require them to sign off on which of four countries they would like to adopt as their permanent home.
Abbas Shiblaq, editor of the refugee newsletter Shaml, noted in 1996 the following in regard to implementation of the right of return: "It would be naive to assume that political considerations and developments of the last fifty years will not have an impact on the way that this right might be implemented." Shiblaq and other McGill University experts assert that not every single refugee will return. They base this conclusion on a number of surveys of refugees, including a comprehensive study by Khalili Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. He found in 2003 that less than 10% of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Jordan and Lebanon were willing to return to historic Palestine and become Israeli citizens.
At one time, it was argued that the refugee issue involved two groups: those (laji'in) who became refugees in 1948 and those (nazihin) displaced in 1967. The idea was that the Palestinians displaced from the West Bank in 1967 could be returned immediately, without waiting for resolution for the 1948 refugees. This idea was scrapped, however, after the eruption of the second intifada in 2000, and the idea prevailed for a resolution involving all registered refugees with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The status of UNRWA, created in 1948, is itself also hotly debated. One suggestion put forward is to dissolve it within 10 years of any agreement. The Israelis insist that whatever agreement is reached, that will be considered the end of negotiations on it, closing the entire file forever.
While many worry that the refugee issue is a deal breaker, leading Palestinian thinkers such as Al-Quds University President Sari Nusseibeh feel that the disagreements over the right of return — while extremely personal and emotional — are less difficult to resolve than, say, issues of borders or Jerusalem. As with all the permanent-status issues, however, neither side will reveal its final position on any topic until there is a comprehensive agreement that can be sold to the public as a single, closed package that must be accepted or rejected in its entirety.
This article was first published on Al-Monitor
Kerry's suggestion no doubt reflects the various discussions, differences and understandings between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinians have repeatedly insisted that Israel acknowledge its historic and moral responsibility in creating the Palestinian refugee problem. Many expect that this issue, more than any actual agreement on numbers, could be the gateway to a breakthrough.
After the issue of who is responsible is resolved, it is understood that Palestinian refugees are to be given choices, including returning to their homeland in Palestine, staying where they are or going to certain third countries. The fourth option, which is highly contested, calls for some Palestinians to settle in Israel. The issue is finessed by having this small population absorbed over a number of years based on Israel approving it within the context of family reunification.
The Arab Peace Initiative dealt with the issue of refugees by citing UN Resolution 194, which calls for the right of return. The initiative perspective then added, however, that "an agreed" solution must be found. This key phrase gives the Israelis a virtual veto on any solution it does not consider acceptable.
The discussions on this issue over the years are best summarized in a Canadian effort referred to generally as the Ottawa Process, a mostly academic project led by Canadian academics and former diplomats connected to McGill University. The project's website, Palestinian Refugee ResearchNet, contains research and discussions on the history of Palestinian refugees and various proposals regarding them. This information is available to everyone.
Experts in refugee issues say that putting aside politics, polemics and narratives, the most efficient way to resolve the Palestinian refugee issue requires three basic steps: acceptance, choosing return options and implementation, including compensation. Refugees agreeing to resolve their status in this way would have to sign a document to that effect and would receive an immediate cash payment. This would also necessarily require them to sign off on which of four countries they would like to adopt as their permanent home.
Abbas Shiblaq, editor of the refugee newsletter Shaml, noted in 1996 the following in regard to implementation of the right of return: "It would be naive to assume that political considerations and developments of the last fifty years will not have an impact on the way that this right might be implemented." Shiblaq and other McGill University experts assert that not every single refugee will return. They base this conclusion on a number of surveys of refugees, including a comprehensive study by Khalili Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. He found in 2003 that less than 10% of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Jordan and Lebanon were willing to return to historic Palestine and become Israeli citizens.
At one time, it was argued that the refugee issue involved two groups: those (laji'in) who became refugees in 1948 and those (nazihin) displaced in 1967. The idea was that the Palestinians displaced from the West Bank in 1967 could be returned immediately, without waiting for resolution for the 1948 refugees. This idea was scrapped, however, after the eruption of the second intifada in 2000, and the idea prevailed for a resolution involving all registered refugees with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The status of UNRWA, created in 1948, is itself also hotly debated. One suggestion put forward is to dissolve it within 10 years of any agreement. The Israelis insist that whatever agreement is reached, that will be considered the end of negotiations on it, closing the entire file forever.
While many worry that the refugee issue is a deal breaker, leading Palestinian thinkers such as Al-Quds University President Sari Nusseibeh feel that the disagreements over the right of return — while extremely personal and emotional — are less difficult to resolve than, say, issues of borders or Jerusalem. As with all the permanent-status issues, however, neither side will reveal its final position on any topic until there is a comprehensive agreement that can be sold to the public as a single, closed package that must be accepted or rejected in its entirety.
This article was first published on Al-Monitor
15 jan 2014
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Two Palestinian died on Tuesday, from starvation in the besieged Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria.
Action Group for Palestinians of Syria said that the elderly Hussain Nazal and the elderly woman Safyeh al-Shlabi have died due to malnutrition, as a result of the lack of medical and food supplies. The group added that the number of people who have been killed by starvation in the camp raised up to 48 martyrs since the beginning of September 2013. |
Quds Press agency reported on Tuesday that 46 Palestinian refugees died of hunger and lack of food in the besieged Yarmouk refugee camp, south of the Syrian capital Damascus. Yarmouk camp lacks foods, medicines and baby milk.
It has been besieged due to the ongoing battles in Syria between the regular forces and the opposition, which caused a famine that is threatening the lives of thousands of its inhabitants, especially the children and the elderly.
Working group for the Palestinians in Syria registered the death of 1,922 Palestinians in the Syrian camps since the beginning of events there, about three years ago.
It noted that 768 Palestinian refugees were killed by the shelling, while 446 were killed during armed clashes between the regime forces and the opposition.
134 other refugees died of torture in the prisons of the Syrian regime, the group added.
There are 466 Palestinian refugees detained in Syrian jails, while 232 refugees are still missing.
It has been besieged due to the ongoing battles in Syria between the regular forces and the opposition, which caused a famine that is threatening the lives of thousands of its inhabitants, especially the children and the elderly.
Working group for the Palestinians in Syria registered the death of 1,922 Palestinians in the Syrian camps since the beginning of events there, about three years ago.
It noted that 768 Palestinian refugees were killed by the shelling, while 446 were killed during armed clashes between the regime forces and the opposition.
134 other refugees died of torture in the prisons of the Syrian regime, the group added.
There are 466 Palestinian refugees detained in Syrian jails, while 232 refugees are still missing.
14 jan 2014
Thabet Organization for the Right of Return denounced Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's recent remarks in which he considered the right of return a personal and optional right that can be substituted. The organization said that Abbas's remarks are consistent with US secretary of state John Kerry's plan, which aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause and cancel the right of refugees to return to their homeland in 1948 Palestine.
It said in a statement that the right of return is inalienable and that no one has the right to relinquish it.
The statement also stressed that any agreement to cancel the right of return is legally void, according to the second article of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
"The Palestinian refugees refuse all forms of resettlement, displacement or alternative homeland, and adhere to their right to return to their homeland Palestine. Their stay in the Diaspora is only temporary," Thabet organization added.
It called upon the PA leadership in Ramallah to back down from such remarks, put an end to the futile negotiations and adopt a national strategy that promotes Palestinian unity and protects the constants and rights, especially the right of return.
It also asked the PA to pay attention to the issue of the Palestinians in Syria, especially those besieged in the Yarmouk refugee camp and work on lifting the blockade on it and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid to the camp before it is too late.
For his part, the head of the Jordanian Society for the return and refugees Kazem Ayesh warned in a press statement of the ongoing negotiations, led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, which would deprive the refugees from returning to Palestine.
Ayesh considered Abbas's comments an assault on the right of refugees to return to their homes from which they were forcibly displaced, stressing that the negotiating team does not have the right to waiver any Palestinian right or constant.
It said in a statement that the right of return is inalienable and that no one has the right to relinquish it.
The statement also stressed that any agreement to cancel the right of return is legally void, according to the second article of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
"The Palestinian refugees refuse all forms of resettlement, displacement or alternative homeland, and adhere to their right to return to their homeland Palestine. Their stay in the Diaspora is only temporary," Thabet organization added.
It called upon the PA leadership in Ramallah to back down from such remarks, put an end to the futile negotiations and adopt a national strategy that promotes Palestinian unity and protects the constants and rights, especially the right of return.
It also asked the PA to pay attention to the issue of the Palestinians in Syria, especially those besieged in the Yarmouk refugee camp and work on lifting the blockade on it and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid to the camp before it is too late.
For his part, the head of the Jordanian Society for the return and refugees Kazem Ayesh warned in a press statement of the ongoing negotiations, led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, which would deprive the refugees from returning to Palestine.
Ayesh considered Abbas's comments an assault on the right of refugees to return to their homes from which they were forcibly displaced, stressing that the negotiating team does not have the right to waiver any Palestinian right or constant.
Angry young men protesting UNRWA’s neglect of its role in Fawar refugee camp, south of Al-Khalil, closed the main entrance to the camp on Tuesday morning. Eyewitnesses told the PIC that dozens of young men and inhabitants gathered at the main road in the camp and torched tires and closed it with rocks.
They said that the inhabitants were protesting against UNRWA’s stoppage of health and educational services for the past 40 days. They demanded an end to such practice that worsened the camp’s conditions.
A state of fury is sweeping all West Bank refugee camps due to UNRWA’s reduction in its services. Young men from Qalandia, Ama’ri, and Jalazoun refugee camps in Ramallah closed entrances to Ramallah city a few days ago while others in Aida and Doheisha refugee camps in Bethlehem and Asker and Balata in Nablus did the same, which led to clashes with PA security forces.
They said that the inhabitants were protesting against UNRWA’s stoppage of health and educational services for the past 40 days. They demanded an end to such practice that worsened the camp’s conditions.
A state of fury is sweeping all West Bank refugee camps due to UNRWA’s reduction in its services. Young men from Qalandia, Ama’ri, and Jalazoun refugee camps in Ramallah closed entrances to Ramallah city a few days ago while others in Aida and Doheisha refugee camps in Bethlehem and Asker and Balata in Nablus did the same, which led to clashes with PA security forces.
Fatah leader Abbas Zaki told Ma'an in October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Video
Video
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Video
Video
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An aid convoy consisting of six trucks loaded with medicine and food were attacked on their way to Yarmouk refugee camp. The convoy was prepared by the PLO and tried to reach the camp on Monday under UNRWA auspices. It is unclear who attacked the convoy of the much needed humanitarian supplies.
Yarmouk refugee camp has been under siege since last summer and no humanitarian aid organizations, including UNRWA, have not been able to reach the camp since september 2013. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 41 Palestinian refugees have died of food and medicine shortages in the camp. |
Before Syria’s civil war began, the camp was home to 150, 000 Palestinian refugees. Today only about 20, 000 Palestinians remain there. Syria is officially home to nearly half a million Palestinian refugees. Since the war broke out in 2011 half of them have been displaced, becoming refugees for a second time.
13 jan 2014
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Palestinian activists from inside Syria's besieged Yarmouk refugee camp said that PLO supply trucks loaded with medicine and food were unable to enter the camp after shells were fired at them Monday.
Six truckloads of aid prepared by the PLO had been prepared to enter Yarmouk camp under UNRWA auspices earlier on Monday, but activists said that the attack on the convoy prevented the aid from reaching the camp. The trucks were fired upon in the al-Buwayda area and subsequently were forced to return to al-Sabiena area. |
It was unclear who was firing upon the trucks, but in the past both anti-regime groups like al-Nusra front as well as pro-regime groups like PFLP-GC have acted to undermine attempts to lift the siege on the camp.
Ma'an attempted to contact PLO delegation members to get an official confirmation, but there was no response.
The attack comes a day after attempts to transfer relief supplies were similarly thwarted due to fighting at the entrance of the camp.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness told Ma'an on Sunday, "There is profound civilian suffering in Yarmouk with widespread incidence of malnutrition and the absence of medical care, including for those who have severe conflict-related injuries, and including for women in childbirth, with fatal consequences for some women."
"The unending armed conflict brings death and inflicts serious injuries on Yarmouk residents in addition to the extreme deprivation of living a trapped existence," he added.
"I emphasize that the imperative remains that Syrian authorities and other parties must allow and facilitate safe and open humanitarian access into Yarmouk to enable us to assist civilians trapped there."
On Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that 41 Palestinians had died so far as a result of food and medicine shortages.
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 October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Video
Ma'an attempted to contact PLO delegation members to get an official confirmation, but there was no response.
The attack comes a day after attempts to transfer relief supplies were similarly thwarted due to fighting at the entrance of the camp.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness told Ma'an on Sunday, "There is profound civilian suffering in Yarmouk with widespread incidence of malnutrition and the absence of medical care, including for those who have severe conflict-related injuries, and including for women in childbirth, with fatal consequences for some women."
"The unending armed conflict brings death and inflicts serious injuries on Yarmouk residents in addition to the extreme deprivation of living a trapped existence," he added.
"I emphasize that the imperative remains that Syrian authorities and other parties must allow and facilitate safe and open humanitarian access into Yarmouk to enable us to assist civilians trapped there."
On Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that 41 Palestinians had died so far as a result of food and medicine shortages.
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 October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Video
A delegation representing the PLO shipped six truckloads of food and medicine into the besieged Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus on Monday, an official said.
Awni Abu Ghosh, a member of the politburo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said in a statement that the shipment marked a "breakthrough" in the Yarmouk camp crisis.
The statement added that six trucks loaded with foods and medicines were headed to the Yarmouk camp under the auspices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
The trucks are expected to enter the camp on Monday afternoon to help ease the humanitarian crisis inside the camp.
The shipment comes a day after attempts to ship supplies in were thwarted due to fighting at the entrance of the camp.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness told Ma'an on Sunday, "There is profound civilian suffering in Yarmouk with widespread incidence of malnutrition and the absence of medical care, including for those who have severe conflict-related injuries, and including for women in childbirth, with fatal consequences for some women."
"The unending armed conflict brings death and inflicts serious injuries on Yarmouk residents in addition to the extreme deprivation of living a trapped existence," he added.
"I emphasize that the imperative remains that Syrian authorities and other parties must allow and facilitate safe and open humanitarian access into Yarmouk to enable us to assist civilians trapped there."
On Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that 41 Palestinians had died so far as a result of food and medicine shortages.
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 October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Awni Abu Ghosh, a member of the politburo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said in a statement that the shipment marked a "breakthrough" in the Yarmouk camp crisis.
The statement added that six trucks loaded with foods and medicines were headed to the Yarmouk camp under the auspices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
The trucks are expected to enter the camp on Monday afternoon to help ease the humanitarian crisis inside the camp.
The shipment comes a day after attempts to ship supplies in were thwarted due to fighting at the entrance of the camp.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness told Ma'an on Sunday, "There is profound civilian suffering in Yarmouk with widespread incidence of malnutrition and the absence of medical care, including for those who have severe conflict-related injuries, and including for women in childbirth, with fatal consequences for some women."
"The unending armed conflict brings death and inflicts serious injuries on Yarmouk residents in addition to the extreme deprivation of living a trapped existence," he added.
"I emphasize that the imperative remains that Syrian authorities and other parties must allow and facilitate safe and open humanitarian access into Yarmouk to enable us to assist civilians trapped there."
On Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that 41 Palestinians had died so far as a result of food and medicine shortages.
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 October that Yarmouk's population of 250,000 had dwindled to 18,000 after two and a half years of conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 130,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.
Major roads in Ramallah were blocked on Sunday in a protest against the lack of services in the refugee camps due to the ongoing strike by employees of UNRWA, the UN’s Palestine refugee agency.
Main roads near al-Jalazun and al-Amari refugee camps were blocked with rocks and burning tires. Maan news reports that a number of security officers and protesters were injured when the Palestinian security forces dispersed the protests and cleared the roads. The main road between Jerusalem and Ramallah was also blocked by protesters, but here the Palestinian security forces did not intervene since it was too close to the Israeli checkpoint in Qalandia and the Palestinian securety forces are not allowed to operate in that area.
In the West Bank 5000 employees at the UN refugees agency UNRWA are on strike since 3:rd of december last year demanding higher salaries and permanent contracts instead of short term contracts.
The strike have left 51 000 children in the refugee camps out of school for over a month, over 40 health clinics are closed and garbage are piling up at the camps.
UNRWA runs Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and provided residents with basic services such as education, health services and also garbage collection.
Main roads near al-Jalazun and al-Amari refugee camps were blocked with rocks and burning tires. Maan news reports that a number of security officers and protesters were injured when the Palestinian security forces dispersed the protests and cleared the roads. The main road between Jerusalem and Ramallah was also blocked by protesters, but here the Palestinian security forces did not intervene since it was too close to the Israeli checkpoint in Qalandia and the Palestinian securety forces are not allowed to operate in that area.
In the West Bank 5000 employees at the UN refugees agency UNRWA are on strike since 3:rd of december last year demanding higher salaries and permanent contracts instead of short term contracts.
The strike have left 51 000 children in the refugee camps out of school for over a month, over 40 health clinics are closed and garbage are piling up at the camps.
UNRWA runs Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and provided residents with basic services such as education, health services and also garbage collection.
More than 40 policemen of the Palestinian Authority, including Ramallah police chief Omar Al-Bazour, suffered different injuries during violent clashes on Sunday morning near Al-Jalazoun refugee camp with Palestinian protestors demanding the UNRWA to stop ignoring their demands. The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Ramallah said the clashes broke out when the PA security forces used excessive violence to disperse the angry protestors who closed the Birzeit and Nablus roads leading to Ramallah.
The PIC reporter added that the anti-riot police excessively used stun and tear gas grenades and hurled stones back at the protestors.
More than 20 demonstrators suffered injuries during the events and some of them were taken to Ramallah hospital.
Dozens of Palestinian citizens from Al-Jalazoun refugee camp had blocked the northern roads leading to Ramallah in protest at the UNRWA's persistence in ignoring their demands.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against PA chief Mahmoud Abbas and his security apparatuses, and described them as traitors due to the suppression they are exposed to by his security forces and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
Protestors told the PIC reporter that the IOF subdue their protests every week, but this time the PA security forces did the job on their behalf.
In another incident, Palestinian citizens from Al-Am'ari refugee camp blocked on the same day the main road between Jerusalem and Ramallah in protest at the UNRWA's policies.
The PIC reporter added that the anti-riot police excessively used stun and tear gas grenades and hurled stones back at the protestors.
More than 20 demonstrators suffered injuries during the events and some of them were taken to Ramallah hospital.
Dozens of Palestinian citizens from Al-Jalazoun refugee camp had blocked the northern roads leading to Ramallah in protest at the UNRWA's persistence in ignoring their demands.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against PA chief Mahmoud Abbas and his security apparatuses, and described them as traitors due to the suppression they are exposed to by his security forces and the Israeli occupation forces (IOF).
Protestors told the PIC reporter that the IOF subdue their protests every week, but this time the PA security forces did the job on their behalf.
In another incident, Palestinian citizens from Al-Am'ari refugee camp blocked on the same day the main road between Jerusalem and Ramallah in protest at the UNRWA's policies.
