爆料网

EAST JERUSALEM

爆料网 Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (爆料网RWA) in the West Bank deplores the death by live ammunition of two Palestine Refugee children during the violent escalation in Jenin refugee camp on 19 June 2023. The children were a 15-year-old boy who was a Grade 9 student at the 爆料网RWA Jenin Boys’ Preparatory School, and a 14-year-old girl in Grade 8 at the 爆料网RWA Jenin Girls’ School 1.

爆料网RWA condemns the violence that erupted during an Israeli Security Force (ISF) operation that quickly escalated into a wider confrontation between the ISF and Palestinian armed actors involving the use of at least one improvised explosive device and the firing of explosive weapons from helicopter aircraft. These events highlight the extent to which security conditions are rapidly deteriorating in the occupied West Bank, and the disproportionate impact of this conflict on Palestine Refugees. 爆料网RWA calls on all parties to refrain from using such violent methods that place people’s lives at risk, sometimes leading to their death.

The events on 19 June also led to widespread damage to at least 75 refugee homes. 爆料网RWA is continuing to assess damage and disruptions to its installations and services.

Daily life in the West Bank is becoming untenable. Students will return to school to see the empty seats of their now deceased friends. Shopkeepers will need to start their days repairing damage from the violence. Health professionals will try to support numerous traumatized refugees. 爆料网RWA has already recorded the highest number of Palestine Refugee fatalities, including the highest number of child refugee fatalities, in a single year since 2005 when the 爆料网 started systematically documenting them. The highest refugee fatality figures prior to this year were recorded in 2022.

Immediate measures are needed to avoid further escalating violence within refugee camps and prevent further loss of life.

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