The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) deplores the escalation of the armed conflict in Syria which in recent days has claimed the lives of two Palestine refugees in the northern city of Aleppo and continues gravely to endanger the safety of Palestine refugees in Khan Eshieh camp in southern rural Damascus.

UNRWA remains gravely concerned about the risk of death and serious injury to Palestine refugees and other civilians throughout Syria, a statement by the UN agency indicated.

The Agency reiterates its demands to all parties to desist from exposing civilians to these risks. To save civilian lives, it is imperative that all sides respect and comply with their international humanitarian law obligations.

UNRWA in Syria provides vital humanitarian support and health and education services to 450,000 Palestine refugees. 

Over 95 percent of the Palestine refugees are wholly reliant on UNRWA humanitarian aid.

In the Governorate of Aleppo, UNRWA serves some 25,000 Palestine refugees who reside in Aleppo city and Neirab camp. Many of these refugees have experienced displacement. Ein El Tal camp (Handarat) located north of Aleppo city was once home to around 7,000 residents.

Source ; MENA