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Hamas spokesperson addresses recent events in Ain al-Hilweh Camp

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Sep 2023 21:43

Hamas spokesperson, Jihad Taha, expresses concern over re-escalation in Ain al-Hilweh Camp, in Saida Lebanon.

Smoke rises during clashes between members of Fatah and Islamist militants in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, September 8, 2023 (AP)

Jihad Taha, the spokesperson for the Hamas movement, described the recent events in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp as attempts to reset the events to ground zero.

He pointed out that what is happening is a conspiracy orchestrated by suspicious entities seeking to undermine the security of Palestinian camps.

Taha emphasized that Hamas is engaged in a series of meetings with all parties to solidify a ceasefire and implement previously agreed-upon measures.

Expressing deep concern, the Hamas spokesperson found the displacement of Palestinians from the Ain al-Hilweh Camp extremely regrettable and unacceptable. He also expressed Hamas' readiness to work towards protecting the camp's security and preventing any interference.

Taha stressed Hamas' commitment to Palestinian unity and the affinity of the Lebanese-Palestenian relationship: asserting that Hamas will steadfastly defend this relationship against any attempts to jeopardize its security.

"There are many questions surrounding the situation in the camp, and we hope for swift solutions to preserve the safety of our people in Ain al-Hilweh."

Taha highlighted that Hamas will continue to maintain constant and ongoing cooperation with the Lebanese official authorities, underlining that camp security is an integral part of Lebanon's security.

Clashes erupted in Ain al-Hilweh Camp on Thursday, with reports of gunfire and rocket shells in various parts of Sidon city, resulting in multiple injuries and material damage to homes and cars in the Ain al-Hilweh Camp and surrounding areas.

Yesterday evening, an agreement was reached among all parties for a ceasefire in Ain al-Hilweh Camp, but several violations have been recorded, with sporadic gunfire and rocket fire.

Al Mayadeen correspondent reported an escalation of clashes inside the camp, particularly in the Burkasat axis and the Emergency neighborhood, involving elements from the Fatah movement, Jund al-Sham organization, and remnants of Fatah al-Islam.

The camp witnessed intense clashes on July 29 between the Fatah movement and extremist organizations after an official from one of the groups, known as "Abu Qatada," was shot in direct gunfire.

The intensity of clashes in the camp increased following the assassination of Abu Ashraf al-Armoushi, the leader of the Palestinian National Security Forces in Saida, along with four of his companions.

Ain al-Hilweh Camp is the largest of the 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, hosting approximately 80,000 Palestinian refugees out of a total of around 250,000 scattered throughout the country.