UNRWA appeals for $15.5m for emergency response in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

Charred remains of dozens of cars, burnt during the deadly clashes between Palestinian factions, are seen in front an UNRWA school, in Ein el-Hilweh Refugee Camp on Aug. 3, 2023. (File/AP)
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Updated 30 August 2023
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UNRWA appeals for $15.5m for emergency response in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

  • Appeal aims to protect the education of children who must return to school in October

LONDON: The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees is appealing for $15.5 million for its emergency response in Lebanon’s Ein El Hilweh Refugee camp following armed clashes in August. 

Four days of fighting between Palestinian armed groups in the camp killed 13 people and injured more than 60. Thousands were forced to escape their damaged or destroyed homes. 

Armed militants have occupied and significantly damaged all eight UNRWA schools, which educate 5,900 children. 

“None of the eight UNRWA schools will be available for the children at the beginning of the new academic year,” Dorothee Klaus, director of UNRWA affairs in Lebanon, said.

“Damages have been significant and the conflict in the camp is unresolved. With fighters continuing to occupy UNRWA schools, they remain too insecure and off-limits for school children,” Klaud added. 

This appeal aims to protect the education of children who must return to school in October. UNRWA is setting up alternate schooling places outside of the camp, which will necessitate the upgrading and adjustment of facilities, as well as the provision of necessary learning and psycho-social support.

The financial aid will also include providing emergency cash assistance to families who have lost their homes as a result of the violence, as well as repairs and maintenance of important public infrastructure.


Spain highlights importance of Gaza reconstruction

Palestinian prime minister, Mohammed Mustafa, and the Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares. (AP)
Updated 02 January 2026
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Spain highlights importance of Gaza reconstruction

  • Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, in a coordinated move alongside Ireland and Norway

RAMALLAH: The Palestinian prime minister, Mohammed Mustafa, and the Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, on Friday discussed the latest developments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
During their telephone conversation they emphasized the need to intensify international efforts to end the Israeli occupation and halt attacks and settler violence, and to secure the release of Palestinian funds held by Israeli authorities.
They affirmed the importance of ongoing efforts relating to plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, and Europe’s significant role in this process. Mustafa and Albares highlighted the need to unify Palestinian institutions in Gaza with those in the West Bank, with the aim of establishing a Palestinian state in line with international resolutions, including last year’s New York Declaration.
They also discussed coordination between their countries, and the strengthening of Spain’s political, diplomatic and financial support for Palestine, and Mustafa thanked Spain for its ongoing support.
Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, in a coordinated move alongside Ireland and Norway. Estephan Salameh, the Palestinian finance and planning minister, is set to visit Spain this month to discuss enhanced cooperation, particularly in the areas of development and reconstruction. Meanwhile, Israel continues operating in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Prisoners media office said on Friday that Israel carried out numerous raids across the territory, including the major cities of Ramallah and Hebron, according to The Associated Press.
Nearly 50 people were detained, following the arrest of at least 50 other Palestinians on Thursday, most of those in the Ramallah area.
As 2026 begins, the shaky 12-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has largely ended large-scale Israeli bombardment of Gaza. 
But Palestinians are still being killed by Israeli fire, especially along the so-called Yellow Line that delineates areas under Israeli control, and the humanitarian crisis is compounded by frequent winter rains and colder temperatures.
On Friday, American actor and film producer Angelina Jolie visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. 
The only crossing between the territory and a country other than Israel, it remains closed despite Palestinian requests to reopen it to people and aid.
Jolie met with members of the Red Crescent on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and then visited a hospital in the nearby city of Arish to speak with Palestinian patients on Friday, according to Egyptian officials.
Aid groups say not enough shelter materials are getting into Gaza during the truce.