The United Nations distributed shocking images this week of thousands of people, their faces emaciated, desperately flocking to receive food aid that only a few were lucky enough to collect.
"We live in a big prison," said Rami al-Sayed, a Syrian activist living in Yarmuk, speaking to AFP via the Internet.
"But at least, in a prison, you have food. Here, there's nothing. We are slowly dying."
After months of shelling and fierce fighting in and around Yarmuk between rebels and President Bashar al-Assad's troops, the camp's population has shrunk from more than 150,000 to 40,000. Among them are 18,000 Palestinians.
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Since last summer, the area has been under choking army siege, creating inhumane conditions for its inhabitants.
"We've been living off herbs, but these herbs are bitter. Even animals won't eat them," said Sayed.
"The situation is really tragic. On the streets, all you see are emaciated people, their faces drained of any life. Sadness is everywhere," said Sayed.
Even the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinians was overwhelmed by the drama.
Since January, the agency has only been able to carry out limited, intermittent food distribution in the camp.