UNRWA concerned over growing number of Palestinians killed in Syria

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has expressed concern over the growing number of Palestinian refugees being killed in the ongoing internal conflict in Syria.
The agency said in a press release on Sunday, “UNRWA deplores the unrelenting armed conflict in Syria and the extreme suffering it is inflicting on civilians, including Palestine refugees. In recent statements, the Agency has highlighted the crisis of large numbers compelled to leave the refugee camps in Rif Damascus to seek safety elsewhere, and the plight of those who remain in the camps. These Palestine refugees are unable to move safely, are subject to severe movement restrictions and face escalating threats from shelling and armed clashes. Poverty and deprivation are increasing in the Palestinian community, exacerbating vulnerabilities that existed prior to the Syria conflict, and lack of access to food and essential services continues to cause serious distress. These developments have left the Palestine refugee community, alongside their Syrian neighbours, profoundly traumatized and fearful of the future.”

UNRWA reiterated in conclusion on all sides to the conflict “to comply with their obligations under international law, refrain from conducting the armed conflict in civilian residential areas, and take steps to ensure the protection of Palestine refugees and other civilians across Syria. UNRWA also maintains its strong appeal to all sides to make genuine efforts to resolve their differences through political dialogue.”

Source: Palestine-info.co.uk