UNRWA to Resume Health Services in Lebanon After Two-Month Suspension
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced on Tuesday its intention to resume health services at its centers in Lebanon, following a ceasefire agreement that took effect a few days ago. This agreement comes in the wake of recent violence that has resulted in nearly 4,000 casualties among the Lebanese population.
In response to the escalating violence that began last September, UNRWA had paused its regular services, including education and primary healthcare, in order to convert its facilities throughout Lebanon into temporary shelters for thousands of displaced individuals fleeing the bombings, particularly in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
In a message posted on social media, the agency stated: “Following the ceasefire agreement on November 27, 2024, UNRWA plans to resume providing primary healthcare services in all areas, contingent upon security assessments and the availability of staff.”
The agency further elaborated that “UNRWA offers psychological and social support services to both children and adults in 11 emergency shelters located across various regions of Lebanon.”
Since the onset of hostilities against Lebanon on October 8, 2023, there have been at least 3,961 fatalities and 16,520 injuries among the Lebanese, with a significant proportion of casualties being women and children. According to Lebanese authorities, most victims and displaced persons were recorded following the escalation of violence on September 23.
