UNRWA remains deeply concerned about the desperate humanitarian situation in Yarmouk and the fact that increasing tensions and resort to armed force have disrupted its efforts to alleviate the desperate plight of civilians. UNRWA demands that all parties cease hostilities and seek to resolve their differences exclusively by peaceful means. UNRWA also urges all concerned parties to immediately allow and facilitate the resumption of food distribution to civilians inside Yarmouk. UNRWA further demands that continuous, substantial and safe humanitarian access will follow.
1 OCTOBER 2014
Our spokesperson Chris Gunness has the following to say on the situation in Yarmouk Camp
"UNRWA distributed 150 food parcels and provided health assistance in Yarmouk today, 1 October. The UNRWA distribution team arrived at the Bateekhah northern entrance at 10:50 and began distribution inside Yarmouk at 13:10. Operations continued until 15:30, when the authorities signaled an end to the process.
"Despite today’s distribution, UNRWA is deeply concerned by the rapid decline in the humanitarian situation in Yarmouk over the previous weeks. Yarmouk has been without mains water supply for more than 20 days, forcing residents to rely on groundwater and a single borehole. These water sources are unsafe and lack sufficient capacity to serve the 18,000 civilians trapped in the area.
"UNRWA is working with the relevant authorities to address this issue but, to date, has not received permission to either distribute water or repair the water main serving Yarmouk. Currently, UNRWA is permitted to distribute humanitarian assistance on only three days each week, meaning both food insecurity and lack of access to essential healthcare are also worsening. UNRWA demands immediate and sustained humanitarian access to address these issues, particularly in regard to restoration of the mains water supply."