UNRWA calls for immediate halt in Ain el-Hilweh clashes, opens shelters for displaced

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has opened shelters in schools and other facilities to accommodate over 750 displaced people as fighting and heavy destruction of homes and facilities continued across southern Lebanon's Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp.

"UNRWA, with partners, is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs," said Dorothée Klaus, the director of UNRWA affairs in Lebanon.

"Meanwhile, armed groups continue to take over eight UNRWA schools which provide education for 5,900 Palestine Refugee children. We continue to receive horrific reports of extensive damage to the schools and education material meant for children. UNRWA is currently exploring alternatives to accommodate children from Ain el-Hilweh camp so they start the school year with their peers on 2 October and do not miss on their right to education," Klaus said.

She called on all parties and those with influence over them to stop the violence. "Until then, those fighting should protect civilians, including children, wherever they are in the camp. They should refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure including schools and medical facilities."