UNRWA prevented from distributing humanitarian aid by gunfire in Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria – UNRWA update

THE CRISIS IN YARMOUK CAMP

10 AUGUST 2014

Our spokesperson Chris Gunness has the following to say on the situation in Yarmouk Camp

 “There was no UNRWA distribution in Yarmouk today, 10 August, following five days of distribution between 5 and 9 August. The UNRWA distribution team arrived at the northern Bateekhah entrance to Yarmouk at 10:15 and were informed by the authorities that gunfire had struck the area during the previous evening and night, resulting in casualties. As such, UNRWA distribution would not be authroised for 10 August. The UNRWA distribution team departed Bateekhah at 10:45, returning safely to the Syria Field Office.

“The humanitarian situation in Yarmouk remains desperate and UNRWA appeals to all parties to do everything in their power to end the suffering of the over 18,000 civilians trapped there. UNRWA is deeply concerned that the recourse to armed violence frequently interrupts humanitarian operations in Yarmouk. The Agency will continue to seek from all sides conditions that enable UNRWA to offer a full range of humanitarian assistance and services inside Yarmouk on an uninterrupted, substantial and safe basis.”