UN agencies have resumed access to Hawl camp in northeastern Syria and restarted the delivery of essential humanitarian aid after a temporary interruption caused by the volatile security situation inside and around the camp.
Partial Restoration of Water and Food Services
A source inside the camp told Levant24 that 11 water tanker trucks entered the camp supporting ongoing efforts to restore water supplies, while the water network serving the annexes remained operational. UNICEF, with support from UNHCR, also delivered two water pumps, and the World Food Programme (WFP) provided 1,000 food parcels, which are expected to begin distribution tomorrow.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNHCR facilitated the entry of trucks carrying bread into the camp after a three-day interruption, helping to meet residents’ basic needs.
Health Support and Resumption of Medical Services
In the health sector, a source confirmed to Levant 24 that the Ministry of Health deployed a temporary medical team to support the resumption of essential reproductive health services at a health center inside the camp. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) also deployed medical teams to provide services around the clock, seven days a week, and sent two ambulances to support emergency referrals to Deir Ezzor Hospital.
Contact with Residents and a Calm Atmosphere
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with UNFPA and WFP, reported that it was able to access the camp, visit key facilities, and engage directly with residents. The agencies noted that the atmosphere inside the camp appeared calm, with positive community interactions.
Residents expressed appreciation for the resumption of water and bread deliveries and emphasized their desire for the return of additional services, particularly the reopening of the market. Many also voiced their wish to leave the camp and return to normal life. The new camp administration affirmed its commitment to restoring calm and stability to allow international organizations to continue their humanitarian work.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) returned to the camp for the first time since the recent developments, successfully delivering essential medical supplies to the only functioning health facility. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was also present at its main facility.
Coordination with the Syrian Government and Security Confirmation
The UN announced that it regained access to Hawl camp in coordination with Syrian government officials. While security concerns had previously limited access, constructive discussions were held with government representatives, who affirmed their support for the continuation of humanitarian activities.
Hawl camp currently shelters over 23,000 people, including approximately 15,000 Syrians, in addition to thousands of foreign women and children from 42 nationalities. The UN stressed that ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers remains a fundamental prerequisite for the continued delivery of aid.
