Deadly Clashes Erupt in Largest Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon
Ein el-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, has recently become a battleground for Palestinian factions. Since Sunday, there have been intense clashes resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of people.
Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has reached out to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in an urgent demand to cease the violence. Mikati expressed his concerns, stating that the fighting is a “flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty.” He also criticized the Palestinian groups involved for terrorizing Lebanese citizens, particularly those in the south who have historically supported Palestinians.
The main parties embroiled in the clashes are Abbas’ Fatah party and the Islamist groups Jund al Sham and Shabab al Muslim. Fatah has accused the Islamists of killing a Fatah military general in the camp, triggering the violence.
As the violence escalated, fleeing residents sought refuge in a nearby mosque and schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). However, due to the intensity of the clashes, the UNRWA has been unable to enter the camp to provide necessary aid and assistance to the displaced individuals.
This dire situation has led to distress and restricted access to basic necessities for both the residents inside and outside the camp. The head of Al Hamshari Hospital, located near the camp, has warned that if the conflict continues to escalate, it could have broader implications.
It is worth noting that the Lebanese army, which typically does not enter Palestinian camps, has not intervened in the conflict thus far. This is primarily because the combatants have not directly targeted the army, unlike in a previous conflict in another Palestinian camp in 2007.
In response to the ongoing violence, Palestinian factions have formed an investigative committee to identify the culprits responsible for the initial killing. Their intention is to bring those responsible to justice through Lebanese courts.
In conclusion, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Ein el-Hilweh, has become a scene of deadly clashes between rival factions. The situation has resulted in a significant loss of life, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of people. International aid organizations have struggled to provide assistance due to the intensity of the fighting. Lebanese authorities have been called upon to intervene, but their involvement remains uncertain. The formation of an investigative committee by Palestinian factions aims to bring those responsible for the initial killing to justice. The situation in Ein el-Hilweh raises concerns about potential broader implications if the conflict continues to escalate.
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