Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Country: occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic
15 February 2016
Today (14 February), UNRWA continued food distributions in Yalda for a second day, following an interruption of over six months. An additional 1,200 families from Yalda, Babila, Beit Saham and Yarmouk each received a 35 kg food parcel containing a range of basic commodities. A total of 2,100 families have received food parcels since UNRWA resumed humanitarian operations, representing over 73 metric tons of assistance.
Summary
- UNRWA provided a total of 1,200 family food parcels from a distribution point in Yalda, serving civilians residing in Yalda, Babila, Beit Saham and Yarmouk.
- The community has indicated that their greatest needs include food, non-food items (particularly winter blankets and clothing), and access to clean water and health care. Access to water remains restricted in Yarmouk, with residents relying on untreated water from wells for their daily needs, resulting in increased health risks for the community.
- UNRWA expects to reach 6,000 families with food parcels by the end of this week. The following week, UNRWA will seek to distribute non-food items (winter blankets), hygiene kits and water purification tablets and establish mobile health points to address the most immediate needs of the community.
- UNRWA is coordinating closely with other humanitarian partners and hopes this renewed access, facilitated by the Syrian authorities, will lead to sustained operations in the area.
Call for support
- As armed violence continues to threaten the lives and safety of Palestine refugees throughout Syria, UNRWA appeals for donors to increase their support to the 2016 UNRWA Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal.
- More than 95 per cent of Palestine refugees in Syria now rely on UNRWA to meet their daily needs of food, water and health care.