The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has confirmed that it has opened its schools and other facilities to accommodate more than 750 displaced Palestinians from the 'Ain al-Hilweh camp in southern Lebanon. This decision comes amid ongoing fighting and the destruction of several homes and facilities throughout the camp.
The agency noted that it is currently seeking alternatives to accommodate children being relocated from 'Ain al-Hilweh to enable them to begin the school year with their peers on October 2, ensuring they do not miss their right to education. UNRWA has called on all parties to stop the violence in the camp.
It is worth mentioning that UNRWA continues to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the 'Ain al-Hilweh camp, as it seeks $15.5 million to aid its response across various sectors, following the armed clashes that resulted in casualties and injuries, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their damaged or destroyed homes. All eight UNRWA schools, which provide education to 5,900 children, have been occupied by armed individuals and have sustained significant damage.
Today, the Mayor of Sidon, Hazem Bdeir, announced that, in cooperation and coordination with UNRWA, families of Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, and stateless individuals displaced to Sidon have been evacuated since the clashes in 'Ain al-Hilweh camp began last week. They were transported by agency buses to the Beit Jala school in Sblin.
