9 apr 2015
A group of 14 Palestinian factions said, on Thursday, that they backed a joint military operation with the Syrian government to expel Islamic State group militants from the Yarmouk refugee camp in southern Damascus.
After a meeting of the factions in the Syrian capital, PLO official Ahmed Majdalani said that the groups supported a coordinated military effort in the camp.
The factions support "a security solution that will be carried out in partnership with the Syrian state and will have as its priority maintaining the security of citizens," he said, according to AFP.
"We agreed that there would be permanent cooperation with the Syrian leadership and the formation of a joint operations room with Syrian government forces and the Palestinian factions that have a significant presence in the camp or around it."
Majdalani added that Palestinian forces would work in an "integrated" fashion "with the Syrian state to clear the camp of terrorists."
But it was unclear whether that position was shared by the Palestinian fighters on the ground inside the camp.
Following the invasion, Palestinian factions initially agreed to remain neutral in the Syrian civil war.
Fighters of a Hamas offshoot, Aknaf Beit al-Maqdis, however, joined some civilians in defending the camp, according to Farouk al-Rifai, a spokesman for the Palestinian civil society network in Syria.
Aknaf Beit al-Maqdis was not present at Thursday's meeting and could not be reached for comment.
The group is opposed to the Syrian government and has cooperated with rebel fighters against IS militants inside Yarmouk since the extremist organization entered the camp on April 1.
The IS attack is just the latest blow for Yarmouk, which was once a thriving, working-class residential district of the capital, home to some 160,000 people, Syrians and Palestinians, most of which have fled.
Prior to the IS invasion, the camp was under a nearly-impenetrable government siege that left around 200 dead due to malnutrition and lack of medication, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Only 18,000 were left in the camp when IS arrived last week, and hundreds more have evacuated.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Yarmouk camp pushed the UN Security Council to demand humanitarian access Monday to residents trapped between the encroaching IS militants and besieging government forces, UNRWA chief Pierre Krahenbuhl describing the situation as "more desperate than ever."
Several political factions marched in Gaza on Thursday to express solidarity with the besieged camp.
"We say it for the thousandth time: hands off the Yarmouk camp, hands off our people, hands off the slaughtered, killed and starved," senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil said during the rally.
After a meeting of the factions in the Syrian capital, PLO official Ahmed Majdalani said that the groups supported a coordinated military effort in the camp.
The factions support "a security solution that will be carried out in partnership with the Syrian state and will have as its priority maintaining the security of citizens," he said, according to AFP.
"We agreed that there would be permanent cooperation with the Syrian leadership and the formation of a joint operations room with Syrian government forces and the Palestinian factions that have a significant presence in the camp or around it."
Majdalani added that Palestinian forces would work in an "integrated" fashion "with the Syrian state to clear the camp of terrorists."
But it was unclear whether that position was shared by the Palestinian fighters on the ground inside the camp.
Following the invasion, Palestinian factions initially agreed to remain neutral in the Syrian civil war.
Fighters of a Hamas offshoot, Aknaf Beit al-Maqdis, however, joined some civilians in defending the camp, according to Farouk al-Rifai, a spokesman for the Palestinian civil society network in Syria.
Aknaf Beit al-Maqdis was not present at Thursday's meeting and could not be reached for comment.
The group is opposed to the Syrian government and has cooperated with rebel fighters against IS militants inside Yarmouk since the extremist organization entered the camp on April 1.
The IS attack is just the latest blow for Yarmouk, which was once a thriving, working-class residential district of the capital, home to some 160,000 people, Syrians and Palestinians, most of which have fled.
Prior to the IS invasion, the camp was under a nearly-impenetrable government siege that left around 200 dead due to malnutrition and lack of medication, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Only 18,000 were left in the camp when IS arrived last week, and hundreds more have evacuated.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Yarmouk camp pushed the UN Security Council to demand humanitarian access Monday to residents trapped between the encroaching IS militants and besieging government forces, UNRWA chief Pierre Krahenbuhl describing the situation as "more desperate than ever."
Several political factions marched in Gaza on Thursday to express solidarity with the besieged camp.
"We say it for the thousandth time: hands off the Yarmouk camp, hands off our people, hands off the slaughtered, killed and starved," senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil said during the rally.
The UNRWA has expressed anew its deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation for 18,000 Palestinian and Syrian civilians trying to survive under constant blockade and armed violence in al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus.
UNRWA spokesman Sami Mishasha stated on Thursday that al-Yarmouk residents, who are already impoverished, hungry, and deprived of life essentials, are now terrified and fearful of the outcome of current developments.
Mishasha pointed out that the UNRWA was able on Wednesday to provide some humanitarian support for 94 civilians, including 43 women and 20 children, who fled the camp and found refuge in a nearby school.
The UNRWA renewed its demand for armed groups inside Yarmouk to respect their obligations towards the protection of civilians and enable its aid workers to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance.
UNRWA spokesman Sami Mishasha stated on Thursday that al-Yarmouk residents, who are already impoverished, hungry, and deprived of life essentials, are now terrified and fearful of the outcome of current developments.
Mishasha pointed out that the UNRWA was able on Wednesday to provide some humanitarian support for 94 civilians, including 43 women and 20 children, who fled the camp and found refuge in a nearby school.
The UNRWA renewed its demand for armed groups inside Yarmouk to respect their obligations towards the protection of civilians and enable its aid workers to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance.
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Press TV has interviewed Ken Stone, with the Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War, in Ontario, to discuss the dire situation of the Palestinians in the Yarmouk camp near the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Stone describes what is happening in Yarmouk as crime within crime, noting that the original crime is the “illegal war” being waged by the group of countries such as Canada, the US and the NATO against Syria through supporting foreign mercenaries. The foreign-sponsored terrorist mercenaries now infiltrate the camp and occupy it, he maintains. Stone goes on to say that the Palestinian refugees in the Yarmouk camp |
are “virtual prisoners” and aid convoys are being fired upon when they try to provide the people with food and medical supplies.
8 apr 2015
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) said on Tuesday that Daesh militants have retreated from parts of the Yarmouk refugee camp, the largest camp for Palestinian refugees in Syria.
“Daesh organization now controls only 60 percent of the Yarmouk camp after they had seized 90 percent of it,” Anwar Abdel-Hadi, who oversees the PLO’s affairs in Syria, said.
The Palestinian popular committees have taken over the western and northern parts of the camp, the official added.
Abdel-Hadi said that clashes are still ongoing between Palestinian popular committees and Daesh militants, who have been firing at anyone trying to enter or exit the camp.
Sources from inside the camp said at least 17 refugees have been killed in the violence that has recently flared up, four among whom were killed in the clashes that rocked the camp late on Monday evening.
Leader of the Free Palestine Liberation Army, Khaled Al-Hassan, along with three other fighters, were killed while clashing with Daesh militants at the Camp.
“Daesh organization now controls only 60 percent of the Yarmouk camp after they had seized 90 percent of it,” Anwar Abdel-Hadi, who oversees the PLO’s affairs in Syria, said.
The Palestinian popular committees have taken over the western and northern parts of the camp, the official added.
Abdel-Hadi said that clashes are still ongoing between Palestinian popular committees and Daesh militants, who have been firing at anyone trying to enter or exit the camp.
Sources from inside the camp said at least 17 refugees have been killed in the violence that has recently flared up, four among whom were killed in the clashes that rocked the camp late on Monday evening.
Leader of the Free Palestine Liberation Army, Khaled Al-Hassan, along with three other fighters, were killed while clashing with Daesh militants at the Camp.
7 apr 2015
Ismail Haneyya, deputy chairman of Hamas political bureau, asked the Federation State of Malaysia to intervene to halt the bloodletting in Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees in Syria.
Over a phone call on Tuesday evening, Haneyya offered his condolences to Malaysian premier Dato Najib Razak over the death of his office director along with other staff in the Malaysian recent plane crash, according to a statement issued by Haneyya’s office.
Haneyya hailed Malaysia for its supportive positions for the Palestinian people especially in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
He urged the Malaysian Prime Minister to intervene in order to stop the bloodshed in Yarmouk camp.
The Islamic State (IS) has recently taken over Yarmouk camp in Syria and has been abusing its inhabitants since then.
Over a phone call on Tuesday evening, Haneyya offered his condolences to Malaysian premier Dato Najib Razak over the death of his office director along with other staff in the Malaysian recent plane crash, according to a statement issued by Haneyya’s office.
Haneyya hailed Malaysia for its supportive positions for the Palestinian people especially in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
He urged the Malaysian Prime Minister to intervene in order to stop the bloodshed in Yarmouk camp.
The Islamic State (IS) has recently taken over Yarmouk camp in Syria and has been abusing its inhabitants since then.
Zainab Daghestani 12
In the same context, a 12-year-old Palestinian girl was killed by an IS sniper bullet in the camp leading to her immediate death on Tuesday evening.
On the sixth day in a row, the fighting in the devastated camp is ongoing between Aknaf Bayt al-Maqdis brigades and IS militants.
Violent bombardment escalated on Tuesday whereas the number of Palestinian refugee victims jumped to seventeen after four refugees have lately been killed in clashes and bombing targeting the besieged camp.
In the same context, a 12-year-old Palestinian girl was killed by an IS sniper bullet in the camp leading to her immediate death on Tuesday evening.
On the sixth day in a row, the fighting in the devastated camp is ongoing between Aknaf Bayt al-Maqdis brigades and IS militants.
Violent bombardment escalated on Tuesday whereas the number of Palestinian refugee victims jumped to seventeen after four refugees have lately been killed in clashes and bombing targeting the besieged camp.
The Palestine Scholars Association in Lebanon denounced Tuesday the brutal attack on Palestinian refugees stuck in Yarmouk refugee camp, considering it a clear threat to the Palestinian people and cause.
In a statement issued today, the Association said that Yarmouk camp was a victim of a tripartite plot that includes “deviant groups whose actions bear no relation to Islam, the mercenary groups who facilitated those groups' entry into the camp, and the Syrian regime that continues to besiege the camp for more than two years.”
The attack aims at destroying the refugee camp and ending its symbolic content as it represents the main Palestinian refugee camp in the diaspora, the statement said.
The Association warned of the serious attack of those “extremist deviant groups who work at tarnishing the image of Islam and serving Israeli interests.”
The press release called on the PLO and all Palestinian factions to provide the necessary protection for the Palestinian refugees besieged in the camp and to unite the Palestinian position towards the Syrian crisis.
The Association also stressed the need for an Arab urgent intervention to save the lives of thousands of people trapped in the camp.
The Palestinian scholars concluded the statement by calling for organizing marches and events in the diaspora and Arab countries in solidarity with the refugee camp.
In a statement issued today, the Association said that Yarmouk camp was a victim of a tripartite plot that includes “deviant groups whose actions bear no relation to Islam, the mercenary groups who facilitated those groups' entry into the camp, and the Syrian regime that continues to besiege the camp for more than two years.”
The attack aims at destroying the refugee camp and ending its symbolic content as it represents the main Palestinian refugee camp in the diaspora, the statement said.
The Association warned of the serious attack of those “extremist deviant groups who work at tarnishing the image of Islam and serving Israeli interests.”
The press release called on the PLO and all Palestinian factions to provide the necessary protection for the Palestinian refugees besieged in the camp and to unite the Palestinian position towards the Syrian crisis.
The Association also stressed the need for an Arab urgent intervention to save the lives of thousands of people trapped in the camp.
The Palestinian scholars concluded the statement by calling for organizing marches and events in the diaspora and Arab countries in solidarity with the refugee camp.
The Hamas Movement has held the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) fully responsible for the neglect being suffered by the Palestinian refugees in Syria.
This came in a statement delivered by Isam Adwan, head of Hamas's bureau of refugee affairs, during a sit-in staged by the Palestinian Legislative Council on Monday in solidarity with the Palestinians in al-Yarmouk camp.
Adwan deplored the absence of any tangible role for the PLO, which he said sees itself as the representative of the Palestinian people, in helping the Palestinian refugees in Syria.
The PLO, he says, has not even called for international protection for the Palestinians in Syria, although it is a member of regional and international organizations.
The Hamas official demanded PLO officials to step down if they could not do something for their people in Syria.
Adwan blamed Israel for the suffering of the Palestinian refugees in Syria, and stressed the need for international action to ensure their return to their occupied lands.
He also criticized the international community for not moving immediately to put an end to human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Syria and described its calls for protecting human rights as "fake."
This came in a statement delivered by Isam Adwan, head of Hamas's bureau of refugee affairs, during a sit-in staged by the Palestinian Legislative Council on Monday in solidarity with the Palestinians in al-Yarmouk camp.
Adwan deplored the absence of any tangible role for the PLO, which he said sees itself as the representative of the Palestinian people, in helping the Palestinian refugees in Syria.
The PLO, he says, has not even called for international protection for the Palestinians in Syria, although it is a member of regional and international organizations.
The Hamas official demanded PLO officials to step down if they could not do something for their people in Syria.
Adwan blamed Israel for the suffering of the Palestinian refugees in Syria, and stressed the need for international action to ensure their return to their occupied lands.
He also criticized the international community for not moving immediately to put an end to human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Syria and described its calls for protecting human rights as "fake."
The Palestinian factions in Gaza Strip warned Monday of the continued bloodshed in Yarmouk refugee camp, saying that the fighting parties must spare the lives of the Palestinian refugees.
This came during a meeting held on Monday in the Gaza Strip to discuss the serious deterioration in the camp that threatens the lives of thousands of Palestinians and their right of return.
The factions hailed the steadfastness of Palestinian refugees in the diaspora especially in Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria, strongly condemning the violent break-in of armed groups into the camp.
“We call on these armed groups to immediately withdraw from the refugee camp and to release those who have been kidnapped over the past few days.”
The factions stressed the importance of uniting a Palestinian position towards the ongoing events in Yarmouk, calling on the U.N. and the international community to bear their responsibilities towards the ongoing crimes and violations happening in the camp.
They also called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to urgently intervene to stop this bloodshed.
Meanwhile, a massive march has been organized in the Gaza Strip with the participation of Palestinian MPs and national leaders calling for urgent action to save Palestinians in Yarmouk and to lift the siege imposed on it for more than 600 days.
During the event, deputy head of Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Ahmed Bahar said that Palestinian refugees are facing a real genocide and crimes against humanity.
Bahar called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and UNRWA to assume their responsibility in protecting civilians in the besieged camp.
He demanded an urgent intervention of the PLO to save the lives of thousands of Palestinians, stressing the importance of sending human rights monitoring missions to the camp.
This came during a meeting held on Monday in the Gaza Strip to discuss the serious deterioration in the camp that threatens the lives of thousands of Palestinians and their right of return.
The factions hailed the steadfastness of Palestinian refugees in the diaspora especially in Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria, strongly condemning the violent break-in of armed groups into the camp.
“We call on these armed groups to immediately withdraw from the refugee camp and to release those who have been kidnapped over the past few days.”
The factions stressed the importance of uniting a Palestinian position towards the ongoing events in Yarmouk, calling on the U.N. and the international community to bear their responsibilities towards the ongoing crimes and violations happening in the camp.
They also called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to urgently intervene to stop this bloodshed.
Meanwhile, a massive march has been organized in the Gaza Strip with the participation of Palestinian MPs and national leaders calling for urgent action to save Palestinians in Yarmouk and to lift the siege imposed on it for more than 600 days.
During the event, deputy head of Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Ahmed Bahar said that Palestinian refugees are facing a real genocide and crimes against humanity.
Bahar called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and UNRWA to assume their responsibility in protecting civilians in the besieged camp.
He demanded an urgent intervention of the PLO to save the lives of thousands of Palestinians, stressing the importance of sending human rights monitoring missions to the camp.
The UN Security Council has demanded humanitarian access to the Palestinian refugee camp of al-Yarmouk in Damascus to help its residents, amid Palestinian warning of serious deterioration of the already desperate situation.
In an emergency meeting, Jordan's UN ambassador Dina Kawar, the current Security Council president, called for the "protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and life-saving assistance."
The UNRWA had described the humanitarian situation for 18,000 Palestinian refugees, including 3,500 children, trapped in the embattled camp as "beyond inhumane" and called for immediately evacuating the civilians.
The situation has deteriorated since the first of April, when ISIS militants launched an offensive against the camp.
The terrorist group may now control as much as 90 percent of the camp, while reports indicate that Palestinian armed men from the camp are leading the fight against it.
The Yarmouk camp came under heavy bombardment on Monday, with no reports available so far of deaths among civilians.
Consequently, the medical situation in the camp has worsened and dozens of wounded Palestinians find no treatment, while a few hundred people managed to escape to the nearby town of Beit Sahem.
In an emergency meeting, Jordan's UN ambassador Dina Kawar, the current Security Council president, called for the "protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and life-saving assistance."
The UNRWA had described the humanitarian situation for 18,000 Palestinian refugees, including 3,500 children, trapped in the embattled camp as "beyond inhumane" and called for immediately evacuating the civilians.
The situation has deteriorated since the first of April, when ISIS militants launched an offensive against the camp.
The terrorist group may now control as much as 90 percent of the camp, while reports indicate that Palestinian armed men from the camp are leading the fight against it.
The Yarmouk camp came under heavy bombardment on Monday, with no reports available so far of deaths among civilians.
Consequently, the medical situation in the camp has worsened and dozens of wounded Palestinians find no treatment, while a few hundred people managed to escape to the nearby town of Beit Sahem.
The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Monday called for offering urgent help for the Palestinian refugees in the blockaded Yarmouk camp, where dozens have been killed or injured.
In a statement, the PLO called for joining efforts to oust "ISIS terrorists" and protect the camp from intents to turn it into a battlefield.
The organization further stressed the need for all political factions of the PLO to adopt a unified position as regards the tragic state of affairs at the camp and work on enabling civilians to have access to relief corridors and to humanitarian and medical assistance.
It also warned against using the camp as a springboard for attacks on the Palestinian refugees and turn civilians into human shields in a fight that they have no role in.
In a statement, the PLO called for joining efforts to oust "ISIS terrorists" and protect the camp from intents to turn it into a battlefield.
The organization further stressed the need for all political factions of the PLO to adopt a unified position as regards the tragic state of affairs at the camp and work on enabling civilians to have access to relief corridors and to humanitarian and medical assistance.
It also warned against using the camp as a springboard for attacks on the Palestinian refugees and turn civilians into human shields in a fight that they have no role in.
6 apr 2015
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Monday, condemned the targeting of one of its hospitals in Syria’s beleaguered Al-Yarmouk Refugee Camp with a missile, resulting in the injury of three of its voluntarily staff and excessive damage to the building.
WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports that the society, via press release, denounced the targeting of its medical staff during the ongoing conflicts in the camp, which since the start of the conflict have resulted in the death of seven staff members, including the assassination of Hamas official Yehya Horani, last week, and dozens of injury cases.
It urged all sides of the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and to uphold their responsibilities and take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safe access of medical staff to the victims of the conflict.
On April 4, the Palestinian Presidency Saturday urged to avoid dragging the Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk Refugee Camp in the fighting that is taking place among various armed groups.
The ‘Islamic State’ (IS) group fighters have reportedly taken control of 90% of the Palestinian refugee camp, located on Damascus’ outskirts, as gun battles have continued to rage between this group and various Palestinian groups since last Wednesday.
After being initially pushed back by various fighting groups, IS group made fresh advances since Thursday and has reportedly seized control of the square where the camp’s 18,000 residents usually gather to receive aid handouts.
Meanwhile, UNRWA denounced the events taking place in the camp, demanding “from all parties respect for and compliance with their obligations to ensure the protection of civilians in Yarmouk.”
UNRWA further demanded an end to the fighting and a return to conditions that will enable its staff to support and assist Yarmouk’s civilians.
WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports that the society, via press release, denounced the targeting of its medical staff during the ongoing conflicts in the camp, which since the start of the conflict have resulted in the death of seven staff members, including the assassination of Hamas official Yehya Horani, last week, and dozens of injury cases.
It urged all sides of the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and to uphold their responsibilities and take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safe access of medical staff to the victims of the conflict.
On April 4, the Palestinian Presidency Saturday urged to avoid dragging the Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk Refugee Camp in the fighting that is taking place among various armed groups.
The ‘Islamic State’ (IS) group fighters have reportedly taken control of 90% of the Palestinian refugee camp, located on Damascus’ outskirts, as gun battles have continued to rage between this group and various Palestinian groups since last Wednesday.
After being initially pushed back by various fighting groups, IS group made fresh advances since Thursday and has reportedly seized control of the square where the camp’s 18,000 residents usually gather to receive aid handouts.
Meanwhile, UNRWA denounced the events taking place in the camp, demanding “from all parties respect for and compliance with their obligations to ensure the protection of civilians in Yarmouk.”
UNRWA further demanded an end to the fighting and a return to conditions that will enable its staff to support and assist Yarmouk’s civilians.
The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) has moved some 2,000 Palestinians from Syria's flashpoint Yarmouk refugee camp, a PLO official said, Sunday.
World Bulletin reports, via Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, that Ahmed Magdalani, who oversees Yarmouk camp in the PLO, said that his organization was conducting an emergency plan for Palestinians inside Yarmouk, after ISIL seized parts of the camp over the past few days.
"The [PLO] plans on relocating as many residents as possible while working on facilitating the entry of food and medical supplies inside the camp," Magdalani said.
He also said that he will visit Damascus on Monday, to monitor the situation in Yarmouk from there.
Violence has flared up inside the camp, which accommodates tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees, since Wednesday when ISIL members stormed it and clashed with Aknaf Beit Al-Maqdis militant group.
World Bulletin reports, via Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, that Ahmed Magdalani, who oversees Yarmouk camp in the PLO, said that his organization was conducting an emergency plan for Palestinians inside Yarmouk, after ISIL seized parts of the camp over the past few days.
"The [PLO] plans on relocating as many residents as possible while working on facilitating the entry of food and medical supplies inside the camp," Magdalani said.
He also said that he will visit Damascus on Monday, to monitor the situation in Yarmouk from there.
Violence has flared up inside the camp, which accommodates tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees, since Wednesday when ISIL members stormed it and clashed with Aknaf Beit Al-Maqdis militant group.
The suffering of 20,000 Palestinians including 3,500 children living in Syria’s Yarmouk camp has reached unprecedented levels and must be alleviated immediately, warns the Geneva-based Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights.
At least 13 camp residents have been killed since IS fighters broke into the refugee camp including three during the Islamic State bombardment (Jamal Khalifa, Abdullatif Al-Rimawi and Muhammed Saleh), one by an IS sniper and one by Syrian government forces (Rodwan Al-Ahmed), the Euro-Mid Observer said during a press conference in Gaza Strip.
Three other bodies were found beheaded, while five were killed during clashes with IS elements, head of the observer Rami Abdo pointed out.
Abdo said that more people were killed in the camp over the past few days, but only 13 victims were documented due to the extremely difficult field conditions in the camp.
Since mid-2013, the northern areas of the camp have been living under a suffocating blockade imposed by Syrian government forces, supported by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC), Abdo continued.
This untenable situation was exacerbated on April 1 when the Islamic State and elements of the Front of Victory (al-Nusra) attempted to widen their control of the camp beyond 80 percent and met local resistance, he added.
"Residents of the camp, especially those living in the vicinity of Palestine Mosque and Safad Street, have endured relentless bombardment for four consecutive days, resulting in the destruction of dozens of buildings and making it impossible for the injured to reach hospitals."
Abdo underlined that dozens of Yarmouk youths were detained by IS, including 80 from the Arouba area and Madares Street, where two girls and humanitarian activists were kidnapped.
Euro-Mid called on the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide protected humanitarian corridors for delivery of aid and to negotiate with government forces a window of time in which civilians and the injured are able to leave safely.
The European Commission of Human Rights must pressure the Syrian regime to protect the camp's residents and to lift its siege on the camp, Abdo stressed.
UNRWA: The situation in Yarmouk camp tragic
The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) described the situation in Yarmouk camp as more tragic than ever before.
In a statement on Monday, UNRWA appealed to all armed sides in the camp to halt fighting in order not to harm the civilians, including thousands of children, trapped inside.
It urged the armed parties to adhere to the provisions of the international law in terms of civilians’ protection and to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid under safe conditions in order to aid and evacuate civilians.
It warned of “the gravest and most appalling of consequences” if hostilities do not stop and humanitarian aid cannot reach them.
UNRWA called on countries concerned to work urgently on reaching a ceasefire for the sake of saving the lives of civilians and alleviate their suffering.
It pointed out that since April 1, when the Islamic State (IS) fighters stormed Yarmouk camp, the camp, which houses about 18,000 people who have been besieged for two years, has turned into a zone of severe fighting.
UNRWA statement mentioned that the lives of all civilians in the camp are highly endangered. They are frightened of the intensive bombardment under which they cannot move out as they are totally trapped.
At least 13 camp residents have been killed since IS fighters broke into the refugee camp including three during the Islamic State bombardment (Jamal Khalifa, Abdullatif Al-Rimawi and Muhammed Saleh), one by an IS sniper and one by Syrian government forces (Rodwan Al-Ahmed), the Euro-Mid Observer said during a press conference in Gaza Strip.
Three other bodies were found beheaded, while five were killed during clashes with IS elements, head of the observer Rami Abdo pointed out.
Abdo said that more people were killed in the camp over the past few days, but only 13 victims were documented due to the extremely difficult field conditions in the camp.
Since mid-2013, the northern areas of the camp have been living under a suffocating blockade imposed by Syrian government forces, supported by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC), Abdo continued.
This untenable situation was exacerbated on April 1 when the Islamic State and elements of the Front of Victory (al-Nusra) attempted to widen their control of the camp beyond 80 percent and met local resistance, he added.
"Residents of the camp, especially those living in the vicinity of Palestine Mosque and Safad Street, have endured relentless bombardment for four consecutive days, resulting in the destruction of dozens of buildings and making it impossible for the injured to reach hospitals."
Abdo underlined that dozens of Yarmouk youths were detained by IS, including 80 from the Arouba area and Madares Street, where two girls and humanitarian activists were kidnapped.
Euro-Mid called on the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide protected humanitarian corridors for delivery of aid and to negotiate with government forces a window of time in which civilians and the injured are able to leave safely.
The European Commission of Human Rights must pressure the Syrian regime to protect the camp's residents and to lift its siege on the camp, Abdo stressed.
UNRWA: The situation in Yarmouk camp tragic
The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) described the situation in Yarmouk camp as more tragic than ever before.
In a statement on Monday, UNRWA appealed to all armed sides in the camp to halt fighting in order not to harm the civilians, including thousands of children, trapped inside.
It urged the armed parties to adhere to the provisions of the international law in terms of civilians’ protection and to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid under safe conditions in order to aid and evacuate civilians.
It warned of “the gravest and most appalling of consequences” if hostilities do not stop and humanitarian aid cannot reach them.
UNRWA called on countries concerned to work urgently on reaching a ceasefire for the sake of saving the lives of civilians and alleviate their suffering.
It pointed out that since April 1, when the Islamic State (IS) fighters stormed Yarmouk camp, the camp, which houses about 18,000 people who have been besieged for two years, has turned into a zone of severe fighting.
UNRWA statement mentioned that the lives of all civilians in the camp are highly endangered. They are frightened of the intensive bombardment under which they cannot move out as they are totally trapped.
