13 mar 2015
The Palestinian Embassy in Italy published, on Thursday evening, an official report containing the names of Palestinians who survived the wreck of a ship, carrying refugees from Syria and Lebanon, who fled the war and tried to enter Italy without documents, the Mild News Agency said.
The Embassy said it held extensive talks with the Immigration Department and the General Prosecutor’s Office, and managed to obtain a list of 50 names of survivors. Families of two deceased persons managed to identify them.
The capsized ship left Libyan shores carrying 200-250 persons, including around fifty from Palestinian refugee camps in Syria and Lebanon; 43 men, one woman, and six children.
Palestinian Ambassador in Italy Mai al-Kaila said two of the dead migrants have been identified as Mahmoud Hmeid, 23, and Ahmad Khaled Hasan, 17, from Ein al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon; and were buried in Cecily.
She stated three survivors, identified as Kamal Dababra, Dia’ Mahmoud, and Ahmad Duwwa, were initially sent to Milan, and were later moved to eastern European countries after receiving some financial aid from the Palestinian Embassy.
It is worth mentioning that the Italian Coastguard managed to rescue 127 persons, and located the bodies of 10 persons out of 40 who drowned after the ship capsized. 50-60 persons onboard are Arabs from Sudan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, Rami Abdo, head of the Euro Mediterranean Center for Human Rights has reported.
Abdo added there has not been report that some of the Palestinians onboard the capsized ship are from Gaza, and that the Palestinians onboard the ship are from Ein al-Hilweh and Saida (Sidon). The ship left Libyan shores on March 3, and capsized on March 4.
The confirmed Palestinian survivors are 50; 43 men, one woman, and six children, the Milad News Agency has reported; it also said the list was translated into Arabic after being released by the Italian Authorities.
(DOB: Date of Birth Month/Day/Year)
The Embassy said it held extensive talks with the Immigration Department and the General Prosecutor’s Office, and managed to obtain a list of 50 names of survivors. Families of two deceased persons managed to identify them.
The capsized ship left Libyan shores carrying 200-250 persons, including around fifty from Palestinian refugee camps in Syria and Lebanon; 43 men, one woman, and six children.
Palestinian Ambassador in Italy Mai al-Kaila said two of the dead migrants have been identified as Mahmoud Hmeid, 23, and Ahmad Khaled Hasan, 17, from Ein al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon; and were buried in Cecily.
She stated three survivors, identified as Kamal Dababra, Dia’ Mahmoud, and Ahmad Duwwa, were initially sent to Milan, and were later moved to eastern European countries after receiving some financial aid from the Palestinian Embassy.
It is worth mentioning that the Italian Coastguard managed to rescue 127 persons, and located the bodies of 10 persons out of 40 who drowned after the ship capsized. 50-60 persons onboard are Arabs from Sudan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, Rami Abdo, head of the Euro Mediterranean Center for Human Rights has reported.
Abdo added there has not been report that some of the Palestinians onboard the capsized ship are from Gaza, and that the Palestinians onboard the ship are from Ein al-Hilweh and Saida (Sidon). The ship left Libyan shores on March 3, and capsized on March 4.
The confirmed Palestinian survivors are 50; 43 men, one woman, and six children, the Milad News Agency has reported; it also said the list was translated into Arabic after being released by the Italian Authorities.
(DOB: Date of Birth Month/Day/Year)
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1. Ayman Ibrahim Khader; 01/23/1992.
2. Issam Qaddoura; 08/14/1987. 3. Mahmoud Dahabra; 01/01/1996. 4. Adham Dababra; 12/14/1992. 5. Rami Mohammad; 01/01/1990. 6. Ahmad Duwwa; 01/01/1983. 7. Ali Mohsin; 01/07/1982. 8. Mohammad Khadrawi; 01/07/1982. 9. Mohammad Khadrawi; 01/01/1987. 10. Hasan Suleiman; 08/11/1963. 11. Khaled Shwahin; 03/28/1988. 12. Adib Shawahin; 03/01/1987. 13. Ghazi Sukkari; 02/10/1985. 14. Fuad Mousa; 01/01/1994. 15. Nour Lahbari; 05/07/1991. 16. Abdul-Karim Khalil Hussein; 01/01/1980. 17. Dia Mohammad; 01/01/1990/ 18. Khaled Mohammad; 01/01/1996. 19. Hasan Mohammad Yousef; 01/01/1987. 20. Naim Ramaydi; 01/01/1991. 21. Mohammad Hussein; 12/01/1991. 22. Mustafa al-Babour; 12/22/1993. 23. Fares Jalbout; 07/17/1988. 24. Majid Hisham Hamdan; 09/16/1989. 25. Bilal Sha’ban; 06/24/1988. |
26. Yousef Hasan; 05/03/1985.
27. Khaled Abdul-Rahim ‘Oleyyan; 01/01/1970. 28. Hasan Saqer; 01/01/1970. 29. Ahmad Mohammad Mohsin, 12/28/1994. 30. Mohammad Ibrahim Khader; 01/02/1988. 31. Noureddin Yousef Azmi; 01/01/1980. 32. Mohammad Abdul-Hadi; 07/01/1979. 33. Khaled ‘Areeshy; 05/05/1978. 34. Ayham Sa’dy; 08/08/1996. 35. Ahmad Mohammad al-Khdeiry; 03/16/1986. 36. Husam Hajj Hasan; 01/01/1991. 37. ‘Oadi ‘Ali; 01/01/1991. 38. Qusai ‘Alali; 01/01/1992. 39. Mohammad ‘Atiyya; 01/01/1989. 40. Ahmad Sharaf; 11/03/1988. 41. Nader Ghazi Khdeir; 02/04/1980. 42. Wafa’ Mohammad Khdeir; 04/07/1984. 43. Razan Khdeir; 04/20/2002. 44. Rajab Khdeir; 07/03/2000. 45. Moharram Khdeir; 07/03/1978. 46. Fadi ‘Ezzat; 08/30/1974. 47. Luay ‘Ezzat; 08/04/2005. 48. Mira ‘Ezzat; 01/01/2010. 49. Ziad Kayed; 05/01/1979. 50. Yazan ‘Ezzat; 01/30/2003. |
12 mar 2015
Palestine's ambassador in Italy May Keileh said that the ship which capsized off the Italian coast on the fifth of this month was boarding Palestinian immigrants from Gaza and Palestinian camps in Lebanon and Syria besides immigrants from Syria and Lebanon.
In a radio interview on Thursday morning, the ambassador said the ship carried approximately 180 refugees in total, including 60 Palestinians.
She added that sixty were rescued; sixty others died, and around sixty are still missing.
They were heading from Libya to Europe; the Italian navy and an American ship are conducting the search and rescue operations, she said.
The ambassador said she is in direct contact with the Italian authorities in an attempt to meet the survivors, identify the victims, and to try to collect more information despite Italian laws that prevent publishing information on immigrants.
In a radio interview on Thursday morning, the ambassador said the ship carried approximately 180 refugees in total, including 60 Palestinians.
She added that sixty were rescued; sixty others died, and around sixty are still missing.
They were heading from Libya to Europe; the Italian navy and an American ship are conducting the search and rescue operations, she said.
The ambassador said she is in direct contact with the Italian authorities in an attempt to meet the survivors, identify the victims, and to try to collect more information despite Italian laws that prevent publishing information on immigrants.
Palestinian Ambassador in Italy, Mai al-Kaila, stated that the ship carrying refugees from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and the al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria, which drowned on March 15 close to Italian shores, carried nearly 60 Palestinian refugees.
In a Radio interview, Thursday, the Ambassador said the ship carried approximately 180 refuges in total, including sixty Palestinians.
She added sixty were rescued; sixty others died, and around sixty are still missing.
They were heading from Libya to Europe; the Italian Navy and an American ship are conducting the search and rescue operations.
The Ambassador said her embassy is in direct contact with the Italian Authorities in an attempt to meet the survivors, identity the victims, and to try to collect more information amidst Italian laws that prevent publishing information on immigrants.
Related:
15 Palestinians Killed When Boatload of Migrants Fleeing Gaza Sinks Near Egyptian Coast
In a Radio interview, Thursday, the Ambassador said the ship carried approximately 180 refuges in total, including sixty Palestinians.
She added sixty were rescued; sixty others died, and around sixty are still missing.
They were heading from Libya to Europe; the Italian Navy and an American ship are conducting the search and rescue operations.
The Ambassador said her embassy is in direct contact with the Italian Authorities in an attempt to meet the survivors, identity the victims, and to try to collect more information amidst Italian laws that prevent publishing information on immigrants.
Related:
15 Palestinians Killed When Boatload of Migrants Fleeing Gaza Sinks Near Egyptian Coast
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This Collective Consciousness music creation is dedicated to the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees worldwide and is simply titled, "We Will Return."
The creation is a multi-lingual amalgam also aimed at raising awareness of Palestinian refugees' plight in consequence to an absence of citizenship rights in their country of refuge. It is showcased in Arabic/English with subtitle translations and also filmed on location in Gaza Camp, Jordan by Siraj Davis and Belal Omar. Ali Mousa Zubidi and Yaser Al Haddad at Trio Productions (https://www.facebook.com/TRIOProductionsJO Jordan) remade the music beat donated by Yazeed Abu Darwish of DZK Productions, recorded the vocals in the studio, and |
helped create the footage at the expense of Collective Consciousness.
The Prafessa at Go Hard Entertainment of Anderson, South Carolina (https://myspace.com/prafessa2) aided in this brilliant creation's development. Translations were done by Sara Abunamous of Nell Language Program http://nellprogram.com/ in Jordan and by author, HR activist, political lobbyist, teacher, and journalist Siraj Davis. This video represents the innocent victims of Israel, shouting in a personal message to the world to never forget them, "we will return to Palestine," Palestinians and all other humans. The Right of Return is the only possession they have left.
منضمه حقوق الانسان صنعت هذا الفيدو لاجل حق العوده هذا الفيدو الموسيقي بلعربيه والانكيزيه المجموعه المشاركه من مخيم غزه هم من اميركا وفلسطين والاردن وبولندا المهم في هذا الفيدو يوضح اهمية حق العوده للفلسطينين وكم هم منسيون في ابسط حققوق الانسانيه للعيش بكرامه ا لتي منحها الله وسلبها الانسان هولاء ضحايا اسرائيل مصورو هذا الفيدو سراج ديفس و بلال عمر كما قام سراج ديفس بتسجيل الفيدو وتنضيمه على حسابه الشخصي بدفع المستحقات الى كل من علي موسى الزبيدي وياسر الحداد العاملين في شركة تريو بودكشنز كما قام يزيد ابو درويش بلتبرع بلموسيقى الى مخيم غزه كما قامت شركة تريو برودكسنز بتعديل الموسيقى وتسجيل الاغنيه كما شارك في المساعده لضهور هذا الفيديو البرفسور من شركة كو هار انتر تيمنت في ساوث كارولاينا
Gaza Camp in Jordan is the worst Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan and has been in existence for over 6 decades. These refugees live in dilapidated windowless homes -some without doors- with zinc roofs. The trash infestation and dead animal carcasses inundates all of the streets and an antiquated sewage system occasionally over-flows into the streets where residents stroll and children play. The infrastructure consists of dirt roads, crumbling buildings, and a single community center for a population of 24,000. Medical services are extremely limited as a stroller may occasionally witness men staring at the ground while sitting on the streets, children with a hole in their face, elderly without wheel-chairs, and worse.
These refugees have fewer rights than naturalized Palestinians in the West Bank, nations of refuge like Jordan, and even Gazans. They can't ascertain driver's licenses, open bank accounts, and purchase property. They are not allowed to travel outside of Jordan or return to Gaza. They are excluded from most employment with exception of menial labor that Egyptian expats within Jordan obtain normally. They also experience difficulty with studying in higher education. They're often stigmatized by the rest of Jordanian society with unfair negative stereotypes. They are also forgotten by the media, because they are not victims of Israeli violence, as in the occupied territories of Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank).
مخيم غزه في الاردن في جرش هو اسوء مخيم في الاردن للاجئين الفلسطين ومن ماسي مخيم غزه هم لايسطيعون الحصول على شهادات عليا كما لايستطيعون ان بستخرجوا رخصة قياده كما لايمكنهم السفر خارج الاردن والفلسطينون الذين لديهم الجنسيه الاردنية هم يتمتعون بكل هذه المميزات الني حرموا منها الفلسطينيون الذين لم يحصلو على الجنسيه الاردنيه كا ان اللاجئين في مخيم غزه يعيشون في بيوت خاليه من الشبابيك واسقف بيوتهم من مادة الزينكو وكما هو واضح في الفيدو فان الشوارع طافحه بماء المجاري الاسن والاطفال يلعبونفي الشوارع لان الصحافه والاعلام في العالم نسو ان يوجهو الضوءعلى هذا المخيم وحيات اللاجئين الماساويه لابد من تغير فهولاء هم ضحايا اسرائيل
Two guest speakers lead the intro at the beginning of the music video in their messages to Gaza Camp, Jordan. Moe Diab, a Palestinian human rights activist, Middle East political news analyst, and author/actor provides a powerful mentor as he emphasizes the hope of education in his message to Gaza Camp and reassures its residents that they are not forgotten despite many others ignoring their penury.
Co-founder of 50 Cent's G-unit, affiliate of Rick Ross' Maybach Records, and CEO of Feed the Wolves Entertainment, Bang Em Smurf (Daniel Calliste), demonstrates an exceptionally interesting trait as a celebrity that possesses humility. He encourages the Gaza Camp inhabitants to never give up hope, champions of the under-privileged youth as Bang Em Smurf care for humans in places as Gaza Camp. Bang Em Smurf proclaims in a palpable tone, despite the impossible tribulations the Gaza Camp youth face, they still can accomplish their dreams.
في بدايه الاغنيه يضهر شخصين من مشاهير العالم وهم الاصدقاء المفربون لسراج ديفس الاول اسمه محمد ذياب وهو ناشط في حقوق الانسان ومحلل سياسي ومؤلف وممثل سينمائي وهو ينصح ويركز على التعليم للاجئين في مخيم غزه بقوله بلعلم تستطيع ان تعود الى فلسطين والشخص الثاني هو اسمه بنغم سمرف اسمه الحقيقي دانيال كالستي هو احد المؤسسين لفرقة جي يونت مع ففتي سنت وهول يعمل مع رك روس من شركة مي باك ركردز وهو يقول لمخيم غزه لا تيأسون من الامل وسوف تصبحون كما تريدون ان تكونوا
Throughout the video's progress, many different Gaza Camp refugees participate in a show of support for the Right of Return underneath the palpable melodious words of gifted background vocalist, Kamila Dudkiewicz, as she sings we will return to Palestine. Other singers include student Ahmed Ribhi who highlights the despair of an unknown future in his lyrics. Mc Hosam addresses the suffering of the largest refugee population in the world, created by the 1948 and 1867 ethnic cleansing Israel commenced upon these innocent humans. He raises the crescendo at the end of his lyrics, to declare Palestinians will never submit their last sole possession, the Right of Return. Abdullah AbuShabob exposes the cricketing silence, shameful marginalization, and malignant false stereotypes that the media and Arab world imposes upon Gaza Camp. Siraj Davis shares a personal tragedy which aligns him on the destiny for the Right of Return and even refers to Mahmoud Darwish's poem the Earth is Closing in on Us when he announces there are 'no more last skies' for Palestinian refugees. There's only one place to return, Palestine.
The video concludes with a personal message by the main organizer of the music video from Gaza Camp, Basheer Abu Serdanah, head of the Gaza Camp Community Development Office of UNRWA. Collective Consciousness originated the idea for this project, gathered the volunteers, funded the entire music and footage development throughout all stages, meticulously directed filming, and generously funded all other associated costs attached to this project. All copyrights belong to Collective Consciousness.
في هذا الفيدو الفلسطينيون يبعثون برساله الى كل العالم انهم لن يستسلموا في حق العوده الى فلسطين في هذا الفيديو كل المغنين هم يدعون الى دعم حق العوده المغنين هم احمد ربحي و هو طالب واسماعيل حسام وهو يعمل في كفي وعبدالله شباب وسراج دسفس مدرس ومؤلف وصحفي ومحلل سياسي وناشط في حقوق الانسان والمرددون في هذا الفيديو هم كميله دود كيا وقز وفي نهاية الفلم يضهر كل من بشير ابو سردانه يعمل في منظمة اونروا في مخيم غزهوهو من سهل ايجاد المغنين من مخيم غزه
Twitter Bang Em Smurf: https://twitter.com/BangemSmurf_FDW
Twitter Siraj Davis: https://twitter.com/sirajdavis
Twitter Moe Diab: https://twitter.com/Moe_Diab
Gaza Camp: https://www.facebook.com/Gazarefugees
Jerash Camp: https://www.facebook.com/jerashcamp?fref=ts
The Prafessa at Go Hard Entertainment of Anderson, South Carolina (https://myspace.com/prafessa2) aided in this brilliant creation's development. Translations were done by Sara Abunamous of Nell Language Program http://nellprogram.com/ in Jordan and by author, HR activist, political lobbyist, teacher, and journalist Siraj Davis. This video represents the innocent victims of Israel, shouting in a personal message to the world to never forget them, "we will return to Palestine," Palestinians and all other humans. The Right of Return is the only possession they have left.
منضمه حقوق الانسان صنعت هذا الفيدو لاجل حق العوده هذا الفيدو الموسيقي بلعربيه والانكيزيه المجموعه المشاركه من مخيم غزه هم من اميركا وفلسطين والاردن وبولندا المهم في هذا الفيدو يوضح اهمية حق العوده للفلسطينين وكم هم منسيون في ابسط حققوق الانسانيه للعيش بكرامه ا لتي منحها الله وسلبها الانسان هولاء ضحايا اسرائيل مصورو هذا الفيدو سراج ديفس و بلال عمر كما قام سراج ديفس بتسجيل الفيدو وتنضيمه على حسابه الشخصي بدفع المستحقات الى كل من علي موسى الزبيدي وياسر الحداد العاملين في شركة تريو بودكشنز كما قام يزيد ابو درويش بلتبرع بلموسيقى الى مخيم غزه كما قامت شركة تريو برودكسنز بتعديل الموسيقى وتسجيل الاغنيه كما شارك في المساعده لضهور هذا الفيديو البرفسور من شركة كو هار انتر تيمنت في ساوث كارولاينا
Gaza Camp in Jordan is the worst Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan and has been in existence for over 6 decades. These refugees live in dilapidated windowless homes -some without doors- with zinc roofs. The trash infestation and dead animal carcasses inundates all of the streets and an antiquated sewage system occasionally over-flows into the streets where residents stroll and children play. The infrastructure consists of dirt roads, crumbling buildings, and a single community center for a population of 24,000. Medical services are extremely limited as a stroller may occasionally witness men staring at the ground while sitting on the streets, children with a hole in their face, elderly without wheel-chairs, and worse.
These refugees have fewer rights than naturalized Palestinians in the West Bank, nations of refuge like Jordan, and even Gazans. They can't ascertain driver's licenses, open bank accounts, and purchase property. They are not allowed to travel outside of Jordan or return to Gaza. They are excluded from most employment with exception of menial labor that Egyptian expats within Jordan obtain normally. They also experience difficulty with studying in higher education. They're often stigmatized by the rest of Jordanian society with unfair negative stereotypes. They are also forgotten by the media, because they are not victims of Israeli violence, as in the occupied territories of Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank).
مخيم غزه في الاردن في جرش هو اسوء مخيم في الاردن للاجئين الفلسطين ومن ماسي مخيم غزه هم لايسطيعون الحصول على شهادات عليا كما لايستطيعون ان بستخرجوا رخصة قياده كما لايمكنهم السفر خارج الاردن والفلسطينون الذين لديهم الجنسيه الاردنية هم يتمتعون بكل هذه المميزات الني حرموا منها الفلسطينيون الذين لم يحصلو على الجنسيه الاردنيه كا ان اللاجئين في مخيم غزه يعيشون في بيوت خاليه من الشبابيك واسقف بيوتهم من مادة الزينكو وكما هو واضح في الفيدو فان الشوارع طافحه بماء المجاري الاسن والاطفال يلعبونفي الشوارع لان الصحافه والاعلام في العالم نسو ان يوجهو الضوءعلى هذا المخيم وحيات اللاجئين الماساويه لابد من تغير فهولاء هم ضحايا اسرائيل
Two guest speakers lead the intro at the beginning of the music video in their messages to Gaza Camp, Jordan. Moe Diab, a Palestinian human rights activist, Middle East political news analyst, and author/actor provides a powerful mentor as he emphasizes the hope of education in his message to Gaza Camp and reassures its residents that they are not forgotten despite many others ignoring their penury.
Co-founder of 50 Cent's G-unit, affiliate of Rick Ross' Maybach Records, and CEO of Feed the Wolves Entertainment, Bang Em Smurf (Daniel Calliste), demonstrates an exceptionally interesting trait as a celebrity that possesses humility. He encourages the Gaza Camp inhabitants to never give up hope, champions of the under-privileged youth as Bang Em Smurf care for humans in places as Gaza Camp. Bang Em Smurf proclaims in a palpable tone, despite the impossible tribulations the Gaza Camp youth face, they still can accomplish their dreams.
في بدايه الاغنيه يضهر شخصين من مشاهير العالم وهم الاصدقاء المفربون لسراج ديفس الاول اسمه محمد ذياب وهو ناشط في حقوق الانسان ومحلل سياسي ومؤلف وممثل سينمائي وهو ينصح ويركز على التعليم للاجئين في مخيم غزه بقوله بلعلم تستطيع ان تعود الى فلسطين والشخص الثاني هو اسمه بنغم سمرف اسمه الحقيقي دانيال كالستي هو احد المؤسسين لفرقة جي يونت مع ففتي سنت وهول يعمل مع رك روس من شركة مي باك ركردز وهو يقول لمخيم غزه لا تيأسون من الامل وسوف تصبحون كما تريدون ان تكونوا
Throughout the video's progress, many different Gaza Camp refugees participate in a show of support for the Right of Return underneath the palpable melodious words of gifted background vocalist, Kamila Dudkiewicz, as she sings we will return to Palestine. Other singers include student Ahmed Ribhi who highlights the despair of an unknown future in his lyrics. Mc Hosam addresses the suffering of the largest refugee population in the world, created by the 1948 and 1867 ethnic cleansing Israel commenced upon these innocent humans. He raises the crescendo at the end of his lyrics, to declare Palestinians will never submit their last sole possession, the Right of Return. Abdullah AbuShabob exposes the cricketing silence, shameful marginalization, and malignant false stereotypes that the media and Arab world imposes upon Gaza Camp. Siraj Davis shares a personal tragedy which aligns him on the destiny for the Right of Return and even refers to Mahmoud Darwish's poem the Earth is Closing in on Us when he announces there are 'no more last skies' for Palestinian refugees. There's only one place to return, Palestine.
The video concludes with a personal message by the main organizer of the music video from Gaza Camp, Basheer Abu Serdanah, head of the Gaza Camp Community Development Office of UNRWA. Collective Consciousness originated the idea for this project, gathered the volunteers, funded the entire music and footage development throughout all stages, meticulously directed filming, and generously funded all other associated costs attached to this project. All copyrights belong to Collective Consciousness.
في هذا الفيدو الفلسطينيون يبعثون برساله الى كل العالم انهم لن يستسلموا في حق العوده الى فلسطين في هذا الفيديو كل المغنين هم يدعون الى دعم حق العوده المغنين هم احمد ربحي و هو طالب واسماعيل حسام وهو يعمل في كفي وعبدالله شباب وسراج دسفس مدرس ومؤلف وصحفي ومحلل سياسي وناشط في حقوق الانسان والمرددون في هذا الفيديو هم كميله دود كيا وقز وفي نهاية الفلم يضهر كل من بشير ابو سردانه يعمل في منظمة اونروا في مخيم غزهوهو من سهل ايجاد المغنين من مخيم غزه
Twitter Bang Em Smurf: https://twitter.com/BangemSmurf_FDW
Twitter Siraj Davis: https://twitter.com/sirajdavis
Twitter Moe Diab: https://twitter.com/Moe_Diab
Gaza Camp: https://www.facebook.com/Gazarefugees
Jerash Camp: https://www.facebook.com/jerashcamp?fref=ts
11 mar 2015
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees accompanied the first aid convoy in three months to enter the besieged Yarmouk camp in the Syrian capital on Tuesday.
Pierre Krahenbuhl said it was "totally unacceptable" that some 18,000 residents of Yarmouk had not received aid for so long.
Rebel groups inside the camp, the largest in Syria, have been under army siege for more than a year.
More than 200 people have been killed since the siege began, among them dozens who have died of starvation, non-governmental groups say.
"There should be distributions more regularly during the week, not just one day and interrupted again," Krahenbuhl told AFP.
The last UNRWA aid delivery was in December, "which from a human point of view is totally unacceptable."
"Certainly there should be no limit to the number of people that we can support in this on a daily basis. This is the thing that has to continue to improve," he said.
Krahenbuhl said he has received "strong messages from the government of their commitment to this happening."
"There has to be a solution to this situation," said Krahenbuhl, who met Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem in Damascus on Monday.
He also urged rebel groups "to respect Palestine refugees, to respect civilians and, of course, to not interrupt and interfere with distributions" of aid.
More than 160,000 people -- both Palestinian and Syrian -- lived in Yarmouk before the start of the conflict in Syria that will enter its fifth year on Sunday.
Rebel groups took up positions in the camp more than a year ago, and since June a partial truce has eased the siege to some extent.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 200,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
Palestinians from Syria have represented a high proportion of the thousands of people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe so far this year, joining nationals of many Sub-Saharan African states as well as Palestinians from Gaza in the deadly exodus.
Prior to the conflict, up to 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria, though the UN's Palestine refugee agency UNRWA estimates that more than half have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
Pierre Krahenbuhl said it was "totally unacceptable" that some 18,000 residents of Yarmouk had not received aid for so long.
Rebel groups inside the camp, the largest in Syria, have been under army siege for more than a year.
More than 200 people have been killed since the siege began, among them dozens who have died of starvation, non-governmental groups say.
"There should be distributions more regularly during the week, not just one day and interrupted again," Krahenbuhl told AFP.
The last UNRWA aid delivery was in December, "which from a human point of view is totally unacceptable."
"Certainly there should be no limit to the number of people that we can support in this on a daily basis. This is the thing that has to continue to improve," he said.
Krahenbuhl said he has received "strong messages from the government of their commitment to this happening."
"There has to be a solution to this situation," said Krahenbuhl, who met Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem in Damascus on Monday.
He also urged rebel groups "to respect Palestine refugees, to respect civilians and, of course, to not interrupt and interfere with distributions" of aid.
More than 160,000 people -- both Palestinian and Syrian -- lived in Yarmouk before the start of the conflict in Syria that will enter its fifth year on Sunday.
Rebel groups took up positions in the camp more than a year ago, and since June a partial truce has eased the siege to some extent.
The Syrian conflict, which began as peaceful protests in March 2011 but developed into a civil war, has killed more than 200,000 people and prompted millions to flee their homes.
Palestinians from Syria have represented a high proportion of the thousands of people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe so far this year, joining nationals of many Sub-Saharan African states as well as Palestinians from Gaza in the deadly exodus.
Prior to the conflict, up to 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria, though the UN's Palestine refugee agency UNRWA estimates that more than half have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Between 7-800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes inside Israel during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
10 mar 2015
Sweden said it would increase its annual financial support for the UNRWA to 36 million dollars to fund the agency's humanitarian work.
This means that Sweden will add two million dollars to its annual assistance designated for services provided for the Palestinian refugees at home and abroad, UNRWA stated in a press release on Monday.
"This does not include Sweden’s contribution to the UNRWA emergency appeal, which amounts to SEK 40 million (US$ 4.8 million) this year. The funds will be used by the UN agency for its human development work in health, education, relief and social services in Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Syria," the agency explained.
Sweden’s consul general Ann-Sofie Nilsson told a news conference held on Monday in Shuafat refugee camp in occupied Jerusalem that the additional funds would contribute to improving basic services provided by the UNRWA for the Palestinian refugees.
"Improved basic services such as healthcare and education are essential to create a better, brighter future for the Palestinian refugees. Therefore, Sweden has increased its funding to UNRWA this year to 36 million dollars. This reflects Sweden’s continued commitment to the Palestinian people."
For his part, director of UNRWA operations in the West Bank Felipe Sanchez told the journalists that the agency would continue to work for the human development of the Palestinian refugees, especially during the current time of turbulence in the region.
According to UNRWA, Sweden is the fourth largest bilateral humanitarian donor in the world, contributing more than US$ 750 million every year.
Since the first of July 2014, Sweden has held the rotational 12-month chairmanship of the UNRWA advisory commission, which provides advice to the agency's commissioner-general and is composed of 27 members and three observers representing states or organizations.
In another context, Japanese ambassador to the Palestinian Authority (PA) Junya Matsuura said the government of his country had given the PA 100 million dollars, including at least 70 percent for the Gaza Strip.
Matsuura made his announcement on Monday afternoon during his opening of health and relief projects funded by the Japanese government in Gaza.
This means that Sweden will add two million dollars to its annual assistance designated for services provided for the Palestinian refugees at home and abroad, UNRWA stated in a press release on Monday.
"This does not include Sweden’s contribution to the UNRWA emergency appeal, which amounts to SEK 40 million (US$ 4.8 million) this year. The funds will be used by the UN agency for its human development work in health, education, relief and social services in Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Syria," the agency explained.
Sweden’s consul general Ann-Sofie Nilsson told a news conference held on Monday in Shuafat refugee camp in occupied Jerusalem that the additional funds would contribute to improving basic services provided by the UNRWA for the Palestinian refugees.
"Improved basic services such as healthcare and education are essential to create a better, brighter future for the Palestinian refugees. Therefore, Sweden has increased its funding to UNRWA this year to 36 million dollars. This reflects Sweden’s continued commitment to the Palestinian people."
For his part, director of UNRWA operations in the West Bank Felipe Sanchez told the journalists that the agency would continue to work for the human development of the Palestinian refugees, especially during the current time of turbulence in the region.
According to UNRWA, Sweden is the fourth largest bilateral humanitarian donor in the world, contributing more than US$ 750 million every year.
Since the first of July 2014, Sweden has held the rotational 12-month chairmanship of the UNRWA advisory commission, which provides advice to the agency's commissioner-general and is composed of 27 members and three observers representing states or organizations.
In another context, Japanese ambassador to the Palestinian Authority (PA) Junya Matsuura said the government of his country had given the PA 100 million dollars, including at least 70 percent for the Gaza Strip.
Matsuura made his announcement on Monday afternoon during his opening of health and relief projects funded by the Japanese government in Gaza.
3 mar 2015
2,667 Palestinians were killed in Syria; 298 tortured to death and 169 starved to death, executive director of the Palestinian return center and founder of the Action Group for Palestinians in Syria, Tariq Hamoud, reported.
Speaking during a solidarity evening hosted by pro-Palestine activists in Berlin and entitled "Palestinians of Syria, New Nakba,” Hamoud provided the audience with data on the state of affairs of some 450,000 Palestinian refugees who fled to war-torn Syria.
Three Palestinian refugee camps in Syria have been torn down and two others were seized while some three more camps have been blockaded so far. The remaining refugee shelters, except for the Hama camp, have reportedly been subjected to daily shelling. Some 712 Palestinians are still held in Syrian lock-ups.
Representatives of Berlin-based Palestinian and Arab institutions along with a number of pro-Palestine activists attended the seminar staged by the Germany-headquartered Palestinian League.
Senior member of the Palestinian League, Khaled Daher, tackled, in his inaugurating speech at the seminar, the historically strong Palestinian–Syrian bonds and the role played by the Palestinians of Syria all along the national liberation struggle.
Daher pushed for lifting the blockade and halting bombardment of Palestinian refugee camps in Syria.
He pointed to the ongoing efforts made by the Palestinian League in Germany since the onset of the crisis in an attempt to assuage the tragedy of Palestinians stranded in Syria. He cited the al-Wafa solidarity campaign as the best case in point.
Representative of the Palestinian Popular Movement, Omar Daraji, meanwhile, raised alarm bells over the agony endured by Palestinians in war-battered Syria, calling for stepping up pressure so as to halt the atrocities committed by the Syrian regime forces against Palestinian refugees.
For his part, chairman of the Palestine Conference in Europe, Majed Al-Zeer, pushed for the need to prop up pro-Palestine activities across the continent and stand up for Palestinian refugees’ right of return to their mother land.
He said some 30 prominent Palestinian figures are set to join the 13th Palestine Conference in Europe, expected to kick off on 25 April in Berlin—the capital of the Palestinian Diaspora par excellence.
Speaking during a solidarity evening hosted by pro-Palestine activists in Berlin and entitled "Palestinians of Syria, New Nakba,” Hamoud provided the audience with data on the state of affairs of some 450,000 Palestinian refugees who fled to war-torn Syria.
Three Palestinian refugee camps in Syria have been torn down and two others were seized while some three more camps have been blockaded so far. The remaining refugee shelters, except for the Hama camp, have reportedly been subjected to daily shelling. Some 712 Palestinians are still held in Syrian lock-ups.
Representatives of Berlin-based Palestinian and Arab institutions along with a number of pro-Palestine activists attended the seminar staged by the Germany-headquartered Palestinian League.
Senior member of the Palestinian League, Khaled Daher, tackled, in his inaugurating speech at the seminar, the historically strong Palestinian–Syrian bonds and the role played by the Palestinians of Syria all along the national liberation struggle.
Daher pushed for lifting the blockade and halting bombardment of Palestinian refugee camps in Syria.
He pointed to the ongoing efforts made by the Palestinian League in Germany since the onset of the crisis in an attempt to assuage the tragedy of Palestinians stranded in Syria. He cited the al-Wafa solidarity campaign as the best case in point.
Representative of the Palestinian Popular Movement, Omar Daraji, meanwhile, raised alarm bells over the agony endured by Palestinians in war-battered Syria, calling for stepping up pressure so as to halt the atrocities committed by the Syrian regime forces against Palestinian refugees.
For his part, chairman of the Palestine Conference in Europe, Majed Al-Zeer, pushed for the need to prop up pro-Palestine activities across the continent and stand up for Palestinian refugees’ right of return to their mother land.
He said some 30 prominent Palestinian figures are set to join the 13th Palestine Conference in Europe, expected to kick off on 25 April in Berlin—the capital of the Palestinian Diaspora par excellence.
27 feb 2015
The Return Center for Studies and Publication on Thursday issued a new infographic showing that Yarmouk refugee camp has been suffering for more than 600 days from the siege, starvation, and forced displacement.
According to the infographic, only 20,000 Palestinian refugees are still in the besieged camp whose population was about 220,000 people before the outbreak of the Syrian events.
1029 Palestinians from the camp were killed, while 167 were starved to death, the infographic illustrated.
The besieged camp has been seeing a permanent power outage for 680 consecutive days and has had no access to piped water for 170 days, not to mention the high cost of living.
According to the infographic, only 20,000 Palestinian refugees are still in the besieged camp whose population was about 220,000 people before the outbreak of the Syrian events.
1029 Palestinians from the camp were killed, while 167 were starved to death, the infographic illustrated.
The besieged camp has been seeing a permanent power outage for 680 consecutive days and has had no access to piped water for 170 days, not to mention the high cost of living.
The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria reported the death of six Palestinian refugees in war-torn Damascus.
Two elderly men identified as Mohamed al-Sayes and Omar Kusa died of hunger and malnutrition in the blockaded Yarmouk camp in the Syrian capital Damascus, the Action Group said.
The group also said a young man named Ahmad Ta’mari died after he was hit by a stray bullet.
Three fighters of the Palestine Liberation Army were killed during a spate of clashes in Daraa countryside, bringing its death toll in Syria to 118 so far.
The group further quoted medics as stating that deadly diseases spread among the Yarmouk refugees due to the lack of medical care, public hygiene and nutrition.
Palestinians sheltering at the Yarmouk refugee camp have suffered from a crippling siege imposed by the Syrian regime and its allied militias for over 680 days.
Electricity has been cut off to the camp for over two years and water for over 170 days running.
In Daraa refugee camp, the group says, projectile attacks and armed clashes happen every day, which led to the destruction of 70 percent of its homes.
Two elderly men identified as Mohamed al-Sayes and Omar Kusa died of hunger and malnutrition in the blockaded Yarmouk camp in the Syrian capital Damascus, the Action Group said.
The group also said a young man named Ahmad Ta’mari died after he was hit by a stray bullet.
Three fighters of the Palestine Liberation Army were killed during a spate of clashes in Daraa countryside, bringing its death toll in Syria to 118 so far.
The group further quoted medics as stating that deadly diseases spread among the Yarmouk refugees due to the lack of medical care, public hygiene and nutrition.
Palestinians sheltering at the Yarmouk refugee camp have suffered from a crippling siege imposed by the Syrian regime and its allied militias for over 680 days.
Electricity has been cut off to the camp for over two years and water for over 170 days running.
In Daraa refugee camp, the group says, projectile attacks and armed clashes happen every day, which led to the destruction of 70 percent of its homes.
20 feb 2015
Geneva-based Friends of Humanity announced on Wednesday that 166 children have died since the start of the regime's siege of Al-Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus, Anadolu has reported. The Bashar Al-Assad regime has imposed a strict siege on the refugee camp, which houses thousands of Syrians as well as Palestinians, since July 2013.
In a new report, the NGO described the situation in the refugee camp as "tragic" because of the spread of disease and starvation, and a chronic shortage of medical equipment and medicines.
Since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, said FoH, 2,651 Palestinian refugees have been killed, most of them by the regime. "Some died of hunger, some were killed by rocket attacks, some by snipers and some under torture," the report claimed. "Some 818 Palestinians were killed inside Syria's jails, including 293 from Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp."
It also said that the Syrian regime carried out "inhumane" measures against the refugee camp, such as cutting water and electricity supplies since April 2013. The refugees are obliged to get their water from specific points secured by relief agencies.
For months, regime forces have been blocking food and children's milk from going into Al-Yarmouk, putting the refugees under pressure in order to flush out the opposition groups controlling the camp.
Al-Yarmouk was the largest refugee camp in Syria and used to be home to around 500,000 Palestinians, in addition to large numbers of Syrians. Many have fled to Lebanon and other places because of the siege and attacks by regime forces.
In a new report, the NGO described the situation in the refugee camp as "tragic" because of the spread of disease and starvation, and a chronic shortage of medical equipment and medicines.
Since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, said FoH, 2,651 Palestinian refugees have been killed, most of them by the regime. "Some died of hunger, some were killed by rocket attacks, some by snipers and some under torture," the report claimed. "Some 818 Palestinians were killed inside Syria's jails, including 293 from Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp."
It also said that the Syrian regime carried out "inhumane" measures against the refugee camp, such as cutting water and electricity supplies since April 2013. The refugees are obliged to get their water from specific points secured by relief agencies.
For months, regime forces have been blocking food and children's milk from going into Al-Yarmouk, putting the refugees under pressure in order to flush out the opposition groups controlling the camp.
Al-Yarmouk was the largest refugee camp in Syria and used to be home to around 500,000 Palestinians, in addition to large numbers of Syrians. Many have fled to Lebanon and other places because of the siege and attacks by regime forces.
Heavy rains and tidal waves Thursday flooded Palestinian homes in Jal al-Bahr refugee camp on the Lebanese Tyre coast.
The storm, which has recently hit Lebanon, caused remarkable material damage in the camp, where dozens of refugee houses and tents have been destroyed.
The Jal al-Bahr refugees called on the UNRWA to promptly intervene and provide them with shelters.
Earlier, residents of the Rashidiya refugee camp, south Tyre city appealed for help after heavy rains and rising sea waves swamped their houses and residential tents.
The storm, which has recently hit Lebanon, caused remarkable material damage in the camp, where dozens of refugee houses and tents have been destroyed.
The Jal al-Bahr refugees called on the UNRWA to promptly intervene and provide them with shelters.
Earlier, residents of the Rashidiya refugee camp, south Tyre city appealed for help after heavy rains and rising sea waves swamped their houses and residential tents.
19 feb 2015
No Food, No Heating, No Humanitarian Aid
Around 18,000 Palestine refugees are trapped in Yarmouk's refugee camp without food supplies and heating sources, according to UNRWA.
The international agency UNRWA announced on Thursday that it was alarmed and concerned by the extreme deterioration in the humanitarian situation experienced by the people in Yarmouk.
Around 18,000 Palestine refugees live in Yarmouk Camp, a neighborhood south of Damascus, Syria. The refugees are trapped as the area is besieged by Syrian President Assad's forces in one section and rebels in another.
UNRWA reports that the refugees in Yarmouk have dangerously low food supplies, no electricity, lack of heating devices, all amid a brutal snowstorm with temperatures forecast to drop near freezing overnight.
A recent upsurge in fighting between Assad's loyalists and Syrian rebels has created a humanitarian disaster. With winter weather set to last several more months, and without access to clean water, food, health care, electricity, heating fuel, and other necessities, UNRWA says Yarmuok's civilian population is at the brink of total catastrophe.
Over the previous two months Yarmouk has seen an upsurge in armed conflict, including the use of heavy weapons, which has continuously disrupted the distribution of life-saving humanitarian aid to the refugees.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness tells IMEMC that there has been no successful distribution of humanitarian aid to Yarmouk since December 6, 2014.
Gunness said, "To stop the suffering of Yarmouk civilians, UNRWA calls for this level of cooperation to resume, for the immediate cessation of armed hostilities in and around Yarmouk,and for all concerned parties to act in ways that promote the protection of Yarmouk's civilians and give the utmost attention to their humanitarian needs."
Before the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Yarmouk had a population of over one million Palestine refugees. Later, the camp began to depopulate as fighting closed in on the area.
It is unknown how many Palestine refugees have been killed in fighting in Syria, but some estimate as many as 25,000. The location of many refugees from Yarmouk who fled is unknown.
Around 18,000 Palestine refugees are trapped in Yarmouk's refugee camp without food supplies and heating sources, according to UNRWA.
The international agency UNRWA announced on Thursday that it was alarmed and concerned by the extreme deterioration in the humanitarian situation experienced by the people in Yarmouk.
Around 18,000 Palestine refugees live in Yarmouk Camp, a neighborhood south of Damascus, Syria. The refugees are trapped as the area is besieged by Syrian President Assad's forces in one section and rebels in another.
UNRWA reports that the refugees in Yarmouk have dangerously low food supplies, no electricity, lack of heating devices, all amid a brutal snowstorm with temperatures forecast to drop near freezing overnight.
A recent upsurge in fighting between Assad's loyalists and Syrian rebels has created a humanitarian disaster. With winter weather set to last several more months, and without access to clean water, food, health care, electricity, heating fuel, and other necessities, UNRWA says Yarmuok's civilian population is at the brink of total catastrophe.
Over the previous two months Yarmouk has seen an upsurge in armed conflict, including the use of heavy weapons, which has continuously disrupted the distribution of life-saving humanitarian aid to the refugees.
UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness tells IMEMC that there has been no successful distribution of humanitarian aid to Yarmouk since December 6, 2014.
Gunness said, "To stop the suffering of Yarmouk civilians, UNRWA calls for this level of cooperation to resume, for the immediate cessation of armed hostilities in and around Yarmouk,and for all concerned parties to act in ways that promote the protection of Yarmouk's civilians and give the utmost attention to their humanitarian needs."
Before the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Yarmouk had a population of over one million Palestine refugees. Later, the camp began to depopulate as fighting closed in on the area.
It is unknown how many Palestine refugees have been killed in fighting in Syria, but some estimate as many as 25,000. The location of many refugees from Yarmouk who fled is unknown.
18 feb 2015
Human rights activists said a Palestinian Scientist in Damascus countryside in Syria was assassinated at the hands of unidentified armed men.
The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria said that unidentified gunmen assassinated on Tuesday night the Palestinian biologist Dr. Odwan Husain Shehab after storming his house in Damascus countryside.
The Group added, in a statement on Wednesday, the Palestinian biologist was working at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research in Damascus.
Dr. Odwan Shehab is a Palestinian from Sabeineh camp for Palestinian refugees in Damascus rural area.
More than 2600 Palestinian victims, including women and children, have been killed since the Syrian crisis broke out almost four years ago.
The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria said that unidentified gunmen assassinated on Tuesday night the Palestinian biologist Dr. Odwan Husain Shehab after storming his house in Damascus countryside.
The Group added, in a statement on Wednesday, the Palestinian biologist was working at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research in Damascus.
Dr. Odwan Shehab is a Palestinian from Sabeineh camp for Palestinian refugees in Damascus rural area.
More than 2600 Palestinian victims, including women and children, have been killed since the Syrian crisis broke out almost four years ago.
13 feb 2015
Some 483,000 Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with many living in the country’s refugee camps, according to an infographic released Friday by the return house for studies and publication.
210.000 refugees are living in Lebanese refugee camps that suffer from serious problems, including poverty, overcrowding, unemployment, poor housing conditions and lack of infrastructure.
According to the infographic, 273,000 other Palestinian refugees live in 58 different areas throughout the country.
The infographic is based on UNRWA statistics, while unofficial studies showed that 250,000 Palestinians are living in Lebanon.
210.000 refugees are living in Lebanese refugee camps that suffer from serious problems, including poverty, overcrowding, unemployment, poor housing conditions and lack of infrastructure.
According to the infographic, 273,000 other Palestinian refugees live in 58 different areas throughout the country.
The infographic is based on UNRWA statistics, while unofficial studies showed that 250,000 Palestinians are living in Lebanon.
