'Israel' sole benefactor of Ain al-Hilweh infighting, Hezbollah says
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Hezbollah issues a statement regarding the infighting in Ain al-Hilweh underlining that the Israeli occupation is the only party that has any interest in the continuation of the clashes taking place in the refugee camp.
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Smoke rises during clashes in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh, Saida, Lebanon, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP)
Hezbollah issued a statement expressing its "profound regret" for the clashes that erupted in recent days in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, located near the southern Lebanese city of Saida, among Palestinian refugees.
The fighting, according to the statement, has resulted in casualties, injuries, property destruction, and the displacement of more Palestinian people. The ramifications of this violence have extended to nearby areas, religious communities, educational institutions, Lebanese military installations, and nearby roads.
Hezbollah made it explicitly clear that it has "no bias toward anyone" and that it firmly opposes this ongoing conflict. The Lebanese Resistance declared that they "reject it entirely" and consider the sole beneficiary of this turmoil to be the Israeli occupation, while the most significant casualties are the Palestinian people and their central cause.
Read more: At least five killed, others injured in renewed Ain al-Hilweh clashes
The Resistance underlined that while Palestinian resistance fighters on Palestinian soil are engaged in heroic battles to liberate Palestinian territories, the senseless fighting in Ain al-Hilweh is exacerbating the tragedy and seriously harming "Palestinian national unity and the future of national work."
The statement concluded by urging for an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to all the mechanisms and solutions agreed upon within the framework of Palestinian national efforts, all in coordination with Lebanese security agencies and competent authorities. It further praised all the efforts made by various parties to put a decisive end to this conflict and prevent its recurrence.
At least six fatalities, 60+ wounded
As clashes raged on for the fifth day in a row in the Ain al-Hilweh camp in Saida Lebanon, at least six individuals tragically lost their lives, and numerous others have been injured, according to the Red Crescent.
This recent bout of violence erupted late Thursday, within the confines of the Ain al-Hilweh camp, situated on the outskirts of Saida, a coastal city in Lebanon. It comes hot on the heels of similar clashes that had recently pitted members of the Fatah movement against extremist militants.
Providing updates on the evolving crisis, Imad Hallak, a spokesperson representing the Palestinian Red Crescent's Lebanon branch, reported that the toll has now risen to "at least six fatalities, one of which occurred on Monday, with more than 60 individuals wounded", noting that the casualties include both combatants and innocent civilians.
Read more: Palestinian official: No plans to escalate Ain Al-Hilweh clashes
The Lebanese Army reported on Sunday that projectiles had struck two military sites in close proximity to the camp, resulting in "five soldiers being wounded, one of whom is in critical condition." Notably, the Lebanese military typically refrains from direct involvement in Palestinian camps, leaving the responsibility for security management to local factions.
In a statement issued via X, the Lebanese Army issued a stern warning to "the relevant parties within the camp" against endangering military installations, while also affirming its intention to "take appropriate measures."
