More alarming is the dire state of general healthcare facilities within the camp. With 70,000 Palestinians to take care of, the presence of only five doctors - who take their salaries from UNRWA - provides more than enough evidence of the tragic situation that the ordinary Palestinian faces.
"If we want to talk about healthcare, then we will need at least a whole day," he says with a strained smile, making the seriousness of the issue clear.
When our discussion turned to crime, Assadi made a remark, highlighting the harsh realities of Ain Al-Helwa, without the slightest hint of irony. "Surprisingly, crime here is very low, although we do have severe problems with gun battles among our many factions."
As our conversation ended, Assadi, having relaxed in my company, and me in his, warmly shook my hand and briefly mentioned his trip to Southampton in 1975. I asked whether he had ever made it up to Scotland and he said no.
"You should try and travel there one day," I say as I walk out the room.
His polite but puzzled smile said it all.
Alasdair Soussi
Article reprinted courtesy of the Sunday Herald
http://www.sundayherald.com
"If we want to talk about healthcare, then we will need at least a whole day," he says with a strained smile, making the seriousness of the issue clear.
When our discussion turned to crime, Assadi made a remark, highlighting the harsh realities of Ain Al-Helwa, without the slightest hint of irony. "Surprisingly, crime here is very low, although we do have severe problems with gun battles among our many factions."
As our conversation ended, Assadi, having relaxed in my company, and me in his, warmly shook my hand and briefly mentioned his trip to Southampton in 1975. I asked whether he had ever made it up to Scotland and he said no.
"You should try and travel there one day," I say as I walk out the room.
His polite but puzzled smile said it all.
Alasdair Soussi
Article reprinted courtesy of the Sunday Herald
http://www.sundayherald.com