2007 Lebanon Emergency

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of UNRWA Teacher Adel Khalil Khalil, during this latest conflict in Nahr el-Bared Camp. It has been reported that Mr. Khalil was shot by a sniper near Al-Quds Mosque on his way to collect his car from the Al-Abdeh area on May 21.

Mr. Khalil was married to Mrs. Zohour Saleh Saleh and the father of seven, including Samah and Amani Khalil who are also UNRWA Teachers in Nahr el-Bared. Mr. Khalil was a Teacher in Manara Elementary School for Boys and taught English, Social Studies, and Art to the upper Elementary classes. He began his service with UNRWA in 1991, and was fifty-five years old.

I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Khalil’s family and friends who must be sufferring greatly at this time. His work as a teacher was very important, and one of the cornerstones of UNRWA’s mandate. I invite all installations to hold a moment of silence in remembrance of our colleague, Adel Khalil Khalil.

With the crisis in the north, and now the loss of one of our staff members, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their unrelenting efforts to serve the Palestinian Community in the north.

Richard J. Cook
Director of UNRWA Affairs
Lebanon

STAFF CIRCULAR No. 05/07

Subject: Solidarity with Nahr el-Bared Camp Residents

Dear Staff,

We are deeply concerned for the innocent civilians currently suffering in Nahr el-Bared camp (NBC) as a result of clashes between Fateh al Islam and the Lebanese Army. Our solidarity with the camp residents, including UNRWA staff members, is unwavering. Since the violence started, UNRWA has been advocating for a ceasefire and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance into the camp.

Yesterday, we were able to take a convoy of six trucks into NBC loaded with 6000 liters of water and water containers, 5000 bundles of bread, 6 tons of milk, a generator and cables, and medical supplies. While we made every effort to negotiate safe passage for these goods to be delivered, our UN convoy came under fire. UNRWA staff was unharmed, but unfortunately there were civilian casualties and fatalities. Our team was able to resume distribution after this attack and provide much needed humanitarian assistance.

Currently there are thousands of refugees (possibly up to 10,000) from NBC taking refuge in Beddawi and Tripoli area, where we have opened our schools and clinics to offer them the essential aid they need. We will continue to support them and those remaining in NBC to the best of our ability. Other UN Agencies and humanitarian bodies have shown their readiness to provide essential services to those remaining in NBC and the displaced whenever possible. The Lebanese Government is also providing shelter for displaced families.

Our staff in the north have been playing an essential role in monitoring developments as they unfold. This information is vital for us to maintain a record of casualties and events that will ensure a quick and adequate response.

In this difficult time, your dedication to the Palestine refugees and our colleagues in the north is admirable. Thanks to your efforts, we are well prepared to act. Let us all hope for a quick end to this violence.