Palestinians demonstrate against lack of help
Lebanon, Local, 9/5/1997

Some 210 employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) will join the strike by Palestinians in protest against the agency's budget cuts.

The union of UNRWA employees said its members would join the four day old hunger strike outside UNRWA's Beirut headquarters for an hour starting at 10 a.m.

The union called on donor countries to put an end to the financial crisis that threatens Palestinians' health and education in Lebanon. Palestinians in Lebanon do not receive government benefits.

On September 4, six Palestinians collapsed during the hunger strike. Moutaz Maarouf, 31, was taken to the hospital a day after five other fasters lost consciousness.

The 13 remaining strikers said they will continue to abstain from eating until UNRWA repeals its recent financial cutbacks.

The Palestinian students' union joined the demonstrators on September 4. The union stressed its right to free education in a statement submitted to UNRWA.

Meanwhile, up to 200 Palestinian refugees representing the Palestinian groups and popular committees in Sidon's Ein al Hilwa camp, protested in front of the agency's office.

The camp's popular committee said many parents will not be able to pay the school fees imposed by UNRWA.

A meeting will be held on September 7 for the UNRWA employees unions representing more than 22,000 Arab employees.

Previous Stories:
  Palestinians on hunger strike over cuts in relief and education services   (9/3/1997)
  Palestinians warn of a human catastrophe   (8/29/1997)

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