UNRWA has expressed its deep concern about the extremely difficult living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Syria’s Daraa province which have become much worse as a result of its failure to deliver aid to them in the midst of ongoing hostilities in the area.
Some 30000 Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA in south Syria have become increasingly vulnerable following the recent clashes in and around the Daraa Governorate the UN agency warned last Sunday.
“Heavy shelling and clashes since 29 July have caused loss of life injury and the displacement of many hundreds of vulnerable families” UNRWA said.
Recently a small number of Palestinian refugees who have no other alternatives have returned to the camp despite the limited availability of services offered to them but UNRWA affirmed that the latest hostilities dramatically reduced its ability to provide critical services to the very vulnerable community the agency said.
According to the agency more than 1500 Palestinian refugees have been displaced from the Daraa refugee camp since late July due to the renewed violence with nearly the same number still stranded inside.
“The humanitarian conditions of families that remain inside the camp are dire with reports that most of the medications and food stocks including bread are now depleted since the main humanitarian crossing Saraya was closed on 12 August to vehicles and pedestrians. Water and electricity are also reportedly completely cut off inside the camp” the agency said.
Palestinian refugees who live in western Daraa also have limited access to UNRWA services as increased clashes there led to the closure of the UNRWA health clinic in Muzeirib on 1 August.
“Most families are struggling to pay rent or reside in homes that have been damaged or partially destroyed by hostilities over the last decade” the agency pointed out.
The ability of Palestinian refugees to move out of Daraa camp has been severely impacted by the recent clashes and their access to UNRWA services such as food and cash which are usually available in Daraa city has been limited. The current situation has also delayed the work needed to prepare for the return of children to UNRWA schools according to the agency.
UNRWA has called for all parties to the conflict to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance into the area including access to UNRWA services. It said the Saraya crossing point which allows the passage of people and goods must remain open to allow Palestine refugees’ access to basic services.
“All parties must protect civilians and safeguard civilian infrastructure including UNRWA installations in Daraa Governorate” it stressed.
