In a concerning turn of events, recent skirmishes disrupted a fragile ceasefire agreement in Ain Al-Hilweh, a Palestinian refugee camp located south of Lebanon. This breach follows only days after confrontations in the camp that tragically claimed at least seven lives. The upheaval takes place amid visits by Palestinian organization leaders to Beirut in efforts to quell the rising tension.
Ain Al-Hilweh, situated on the outskirts of the city of Sidon, stands as the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. The camp has witnessed intermittent clashes since last Thursday, primarily between the Fatah movement and various Islamic factions. These recent confrontations come weeks after other intense encounters, considered the deadliest in years, resulted in 13 fatalities, including a prominent Fatah leader.
The Humanitarian Toll:
According to Imad Halak, Director of Media at the Palestinian Red Crescent in Lebanon, the recent skirmishes resulted in seven casualties and over 80 injuries, affecting both armed combatants and civilians.
Official Measures:
Earlier this week, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported an agreement on an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” following discussions involving several camp factions and Lebanese authorities. Despite this, reports from an AFP correspondent in Sidon described intermittent gunfire and skirmishes within the camp on Tuesday afternoon.
Fatah, in a statement relayed by the National News Agency, reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. The statement emphasized Fatah’s intent to respond firmly to any identified terrorist groups.
Regional Responses:
Amidst the ongoing tension, Beirut is hosting visits from officials representing various Palestinian organizations, notably Fatah and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). Lebanese agencies confirmed the arrival of Musa Abu Marzouq, Deputy Chief of Hamas, aiming to discuss developments in Palestinian refugee camps and meet Lebanese officials and Palestinian faction representatives to contain the situation.
Camp Overview:
Ain Al-Hilweh camp is notorious for housing Islamic factions and outlaws. The camp shelters over 54,000 registered Palestinian refugees, as per UN records. In recent years, it has also become home to thousands of Palestinians fleeing the conflict in Syria. The camp frequently experiences assassination operations and clashes between Palestinian and Islamic factions.
