southern Lebanon / PNN /

Dorothee Klaus, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon said that the armed violence continues in the Ein El Hilweh Palestine Refugee camp in southern Lebanon for more than two days impacting civilians, including children. Families are fleeing for safety.  

“According to reports, 11 were killed and another 40 were injured, including one staff member of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Two UNRWA schools have sustained damage. More than 2,000 people were forced to flee in search of safety.  

“In response to the urgent needs for shelter, UNRWA, with volunteers opened its schools to accommodate displaced families and is providing basic humanitarian assistance.  All UNRWA services in the camp have been temporarily suspended due to the violence.  

“UNRWA urgently calls on all parties to immediately return to calm and take all measures necessary to protect civilians, including children. We urge all armed actors to respect all UNRWA premises and facilities in accordance with international law”.