Violence erupted once again in a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, leaving four dead and dozens injured. The confrontations between rival factions within the Ain al-Hilweh camp come as high-level Palestinian officials are due to arrive in the country amidst fears of escalating conflict.
Ain al-Hilweh, the largest among the 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon, has been a battleground since late July, with clashes primarily between the Fatah movement and radical fighters. These confrontations have resulted in over ten casualties.
Following a month-long ceasefire, hostilities recommenced earlier this week, leading to the recent deaths, as confirmed by UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Sources from both Lebanese security forces and Palestinian factions disclosed that at least two of the deceased were civilians. One individual was reportedly killed by a stray bullet from the clashes that reached a nearby town last Saturday.
The Lebanese military reported injuries to five soldiers, one critically, after three shells landed at two army posts surrounding the camp. The increased violence has raised apprehensions about potential spillover into the neighboring city of Sidon. Local residents fear a repeat of the scenario from 2007 when the Lebanese army launched a 15-week operation to drive out extremists from the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian camp in the north.
In response to the deteriorating situation, a senior Fatah official is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon today. Additionally, the acting director of public security has convened an emergency meeting on the issue. Adding to the crisis, UNRWA stated that armed factions have seized eight of its schools, forcing the agency to seek alternatives for students as the academic year approaches.
Ain al-Hilweh camp, hosting around 80,000 refugees out of a total of up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, has been a consistent source of tension due to factional disputes and overcrowding. UNRWA, responsible for providing aid to Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, plays a crucial role in the region’s humanitarian efforts.
