Lebanon's Ain Al-Hilweh clashes intensify after mediation efforts fail
Clashes in Ain Al-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees intensify as the humanitarian situation across the camp worsens to become even more dire.
In the Ain Al-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees in the southern city of Saida, Lebanon, the humanitarian situation has worsened and has become dire due to the ongoing clashes between the Fatah movement and Islamist extremist factions according to Al Mayadeen correspondent.
The correspondent in Saida reported that "the intensity of the clashes has increased in the Ain Al-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees, after the failure of mediation efforts to reach a cease-fire." A large number of people have been displaced in search of safety due to the ongoing situation.
In recent hours, the battles intensified in several areas across the camp resulting in large-scale damages. It was also reported that a shell fell in the vegetable market area, in Saida.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent also noted that "There possibility that the fighting might expand as the Ain Al-Hilweh camp clashes intensify," adding that light weapons and RPGs are being used in the ongoing clashes.
"The timing of the clashes in Ain Al-Hilweh camp is suspicious, possibly aimed at stirring tension in the camp."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 31, 2023
Samir al-Hassan, an expert in military and political affairs#Saida #Lebanon #AinAlHilweh_Camp https://t.co/FBAm8MqIfd
As a result, the correspondent confirmed that "More than 40 apartments were destroyed, as a result of the clashes in the camp, pointing to rising plumes of smoke, after targeting a house with an RPG."
"The Lebanese army closed the highway adjacent to Ain Al-Hilweh camp due to sniper fire and shells reaching beyond the camp's boundaries," reported Al Mayadeen's correspondent.
Moreover, the correspondent underscored that "a meeting will be held shortly for the Joint Action Committee and the Lebanese parties, in the office of Representative Osama Saad, to discuss a ceasefire," adding that "political contacts are continuing, in order to contain the aftermath of the clashes in Ain Al-Hilweh, and to establish a cease-fire."
The correspondent cited a source in the Fatah movement reaffirming that "the main premise to the solution in Ain Al-Hilweh is the extradition of the one who assassinated the leader, Al-Armoushi."
It is worth noting that earlier, another source from the movement also said that "the assassination of the commander of the National Security Forces in Sidon, Abu Ashraf Al-Armoushi, had been planned in advance."
At an earlier time, clashes resumed despite announcing after a meeting in Haret Saida that a ceasefire in Ain Al-Hilweh camp was reached between all parties effective 6:00 pm.
The agreement was reached following a meeting of the factions at the headquarters of the Amal Movement in Haret Saida.
The Palestinian Joint Action Committee convened today, Sunday, in the presence of a delegation from the leadership of the Amal Movement, a representative of Hezbollah, and a representative of Sheikh Maher Hammoud. In their statement, they agreed on an immediate ceasefire in Ain al-Hilweh camp, urging all parties to withdraw gunmen from the roads and control the situation inside the camp.
Read more: Lebanese army confirms several troops injured in Ain Al-Hilweh