The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced today its response to the urgent needs of displaced families forced to flee from the Ain al-Hilweh camp in southern Lebanon. It stated that more than 4,000 people have had to escape due to the intense violence and significant devastation in the camp, with 800 people currently being hosted in four of its shelters.
UNRWA's Director of Affairs in Lebanon, Dorothy Klaus, said, “Families have lost everything and need everything, especially protection and comfort.” She added, “Some rushed for safety wearing only their clothes. They need food, healthcare, and support for their mental health. It is catastrophic; history is repeating itself, as many families have lived this horror multiple times.”
She continued, “In collaboration with partners, UNRWA is providing a package of assistance that includes hot meals, healthcare, clothing, mattresses, hygiene supplies, children's necessities, and psychosocial support, including group counseling and stress management. A large-scale operation to collect garbage began yesterday to remove 56 metric tons of solid waste from some areas of the Ain al-Hilweh camp. This situation will continue in the coming days as waste accumulates throughout the camp.”
She concluded, “Our teams have been working for weeks to support the urgent needs of families. This is a drop in the ocean, as more is needed. We will continue to coordinate with partners to reach all families. We urge those who are fighting and those who have influence over them to respect the ceasefire and ensure safe access to the camp, including damage assessments, particularly in the eight UNRWA schools that have been taken over by armed groups.”
