UNRWA returns to Ain el-Helweh after armed clashes

Following a week-long suspension of services in Ain el-Helweh due to armed clashes, UNRWA has now resumed its operations within the camp.

Health Centre II has been reopened and resumed provision of medical care to Palestine Refugee patients. Many children including newborns were brought to the centre for treatment and vaccination.

Sanitation Laborers have commenced clearing the streets from the piled-up garbage and disinfecting in the less affected areas.

Working in partnership with various stakeholders, the Agency is preparing to conduct assessments and clear remnants of war from the affected zones once these become accessible again.

“We very much hope that the camp remains calm,", said Dorothee Klaus, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon who visited Ain el-Helweh camp Tuesday to oversee the situation and the partial reinstatement of the Agency's operations.

"I heard today of families unable to leave houses for days under fire and injured upon escape, children crying of fear and women’s hair turning white.

"UNRWA will consecutively support clearance of rubble and reinstatement of damaged water networks and electricity lines. A secure environment is necessary for UNRWA to operate," Klaus went on to say.

She added that UNRWA is collaborating with partners to prepare for clearance of affected camp sites once possible to ensure the safety of the community and UNRWA staff from remnants of the war.