Palestine refugees across the region are grappling with increased hardship and challenges to the fulfillment of their basic rights, warned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In his annual report to the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on the work of UNRWA, The Agency’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, expressed hope that the discussion will hopefully acknowledge the irreplaceable role of UNRWA, as mentioned by the Chair, and lead to a resounding vote to renew the Agency’s mandate for another three years.

“Palestine refugees await with immense anticipation the confirmed support and solidarity of the international community at the General Assembly”, he said. “They await a sign of hope and a message that they are not abandoned.”

In Lazzarini’s view, “boats that sink in the Mediterranean with Palestine refugees on board are a stark reminder of the level of despair among the refugees. This last year has been difficult for Palestine refugees across the region, with increased challenges to the fulfillment of their basic rights”.

He warned that in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria 80 to 90% of Palestine refugees now live under the poverty line.

“Poverty of Palestine refugees, combined with the absence of a political process and any hope for a better future is fueling distress, despair and anger”, added UNRWA.

The UN official also said that in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, high levels of violence impact the ability of UNRWA to deliver services.

“Refugees who live in and around camps are particularly exposed to the violence. The number of fatalities this year is the highest since 2005, as reported by the UN.

In Gaza, nearly half of UNRWA students are traumatized from repeated cycles of violence and 15 years of a blockade that limits their ability to grow and engage like their peers elsewhere. Nearly all refugees now rely on the UNRWA food basket in the Strip.

In Lebanon, Palestine refugees tell UNRWA that “anything” is better than their lives today. They were already among the poorest, living in overcrowded camps and subject to systematic discriminatory policies.

As a consequence, deadly journeys on boats have increased, and with them, human tragedy.”

UNRWA chief also sounded the alarm over the situation of Palestinian refugees in war-torn Syria, where several displaced families are increasingly returning to live in neighborhoods that were razed to the ground years ago, because they have just no other options.

“Every day, children emerge from the rubble to go to UNRWA schools outside the camps”, he said. “We are now seeking to rehabilitate schools and health clinics in camps like Yarmouk and Ein el Tal, where Palestine refugees are returning to live”.