UN urges support for Palestinian refugees in Syria

The chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees is requesting more international support for those displaced in Syria. Filippo Grandi, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, said in Tokyo that violence in Syria has been escalating over the past few weeks. He said Palestinian refugees are suffering the same problem as other civilians. Grandi pointed out that mortar shells fell on a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus on August 2. The incident reportedly killed about 20 people, adding that about half of the 500,000 refugees have lost their homes or jobs and they need food and medical aid. Grandi urged the international community to sustain efforts to mediate peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups. He indicated that he hopes Japan will engage in peace negotiations, saying the country has always played an important role in the Middle East.