The West Bank refugee camp gets a taste of UNRWA’s demise

“THEY CARE”

Two days after the Israeli operation, the internet had still not been repaired and some main roads remained an obstacle course.

UNRWAHowever, activities have resumed.

“The first thing we do is make sure we announce that the schools are open,” said the agency’s Jabr Abu Taqa.

“We know how important it is for us to get the children to what they consider a safe haven,” she added.

As she strolled through the camp, many concerned residents approached her.

A young man pointed to a looted barbershop and asked, “What did he do to deserve this, the barber?” He no longer has a job, no money. What will he do?’

Mustafa Shibah, 70, was worried about his grandchildren. During the raids he turned up the volume of his radio, but the little ones were not fooled.

“My granddaughter wakes up (from the raids) and bursts into tears,” he said.

“They are worried, it is difficult for them to get to school because of the (damaged) road.”

For him, the threats against UNRWA are just the latest example of the suffering of the residents of Nur Shams, who feel abandoned by Palestinians elsewhere.

‘Why do only we have to pay while they dance in Ramallah and have a good life in Hebron?’ he asked.

He said Israel “feels like they can do anything” without anyone holding them back.