UNRWA Appeals for Massive Aid to Palestinians Displaced from Nahr el Bared Camp

The Nahr al-Bared camp has seen heavy fighting since Lebanese soldiers came under attack after arresting bank robbery suspects on Sunday-23 May 2007.

10 September 2007

Bethlehem – Ma'an – The United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) made an emergency appeal Monday for 55 million dollars it says are needed to aid the population of Nahr el Bared refugee camp in Lebanon. Much of the population fled the camp since May during heavy fighting between the Lebanese army and fighters affiliated with the group Fatah al-Islam.

UNRWA Commissioner General Karen Abu Zayd launched the appeal in Beirut Monday alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, an UNRWA statement said. The money is needed to provide food, shelter, water, and other basic services for the residents of the camp, many of whom have fled to other refugee camps.

According to UNRWA, "A high percentage of the camp’s infrastructure had been 'put out of action,'" by the fighting.

Abu Zayd also said UNRWA is planning for "a full and safe return for those displaced from the Nahr el Bared camp," so long as the funds are secured.