Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed on Monday that the nation’s security information does not indicate any exceptional security situation. This comes after warnings from Gulf countries to their citizens in Lebanon about potential security risks following the events in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.
According to a statement by Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makari during Mikati’s address at the beginning of a cabinet meeting today, Mikati said regarding the warnings issued by Gulf Cooperation Council countries, “The data from our security agencies does not show any special security situation.”
Mikati added, “There is unrest in the Ain al-Hilweh camp. Yesterday, I held a lengthy meeting with Palestinian leadership in Lebanon and Lebanese security officials. We reached an agreement on a specific protocol, which the Palestinians have committed to.”
Similarly, the Interior Minister in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, stated during a press conference after chairing a central security council meeting that includes security agency leaders, “The situation in the Ain al-Hilweh camp has calmed down. There is no security information indicating matters in the camp spiraling out of control and spreading to other camps.”
Mawlawi also highlighted ongoing political and military communications to hand over those involved in the Ain al-Hilweh camp incidents, noting that “There are armed groups in the camps, and the army is handling the situation carefully and wisely.” He reassured the embassies of Arab countries of their citizens’ security in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of the safety of Lebanese, Arabs, and foreigners on Lebanese soil.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain had previously advised their citizens to leave Lebanon and comply with previous travel restrictions to the country. The UAE also urged its citizens to adhere to its travel ban to Lebanon. Meanwhile, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Germany have all issued cautionary statements advising their citizens to be vigilant and avoid areas with security disturbances.
On July 29, clashes erupted in the Ain al-Hilweh camp in the southern city of Sidon between members of the Fatah movement and Islamist activists, continuing until the early morning of August 3. The stray bullets and shells from these clashes affected residential areas and main roads in Sidon, resulting in an estimated 13 deaths and 60 injuries, as well as significant property damage.
Ain al-Hilweh, one of the largest Palestinian camps in Lebanon, witnesses occasional explosions, assassinations, and armed clashes due to political conflicts and struggles for control and influence among various factions and organizations
