the commissioner-general of the united nations relief and works will make an emergency visit to the yarmouk palestinian refugee camp in syria on saturday .
the visit is prompted by unrwa 's deepening concern for the safety and protection of 18,000 palestinians and syrian civilians , including 3,500 children , and civilian life continues to be threatened by the effects of the conflict .
the syrian government has dropped barrel bombs on the camp as recently as sunday in an effort to drive out armed groups .