Palestinian Emb. in Beirut: Efforts toward ceasefire in Ain al-Hilweh

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
13 Sep 2023 00:33

A source involved in the meeting at the Palestinian embassy in Beirut has confirmed to Al Mayadeen that discussions between Palestinian factions were focused on approaching an agreement to halt the ongoing clashes in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.

Soldiers operate a checkpoint at the entrance of the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Saida, following renewed clashes, Sept. 9, 2023. (AFP)

A source who participated in the meeting at the Palestinian embassy in Beirut confirmed to Al Mayadeen that the atmosphere during the meeting was positive. The discussions focused on the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Ain al-Hilweh camp.

The source provided details about the meeting, which involved two delegations representing the Fatah and Hamas movements. The Fatah delegation was led by a member of its central committee and the supervisor for Fatah's activities in Lebanon, Azzam Al-Ahmad, while the Hamas delegation was headed by a member of its political bureau, Mousa Abu Marzouk.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the two movements aimed to address the ongoing developments in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp and work towards stabilizing the recent ceasefire.

Both Al-Ahmad and Abu Marzouk had traveled to Beirut to monitor the situation and tensions in Ain al-Hilweh. While there, they held a series of meetings with Palestinian leaders.

Hamas rejects false accusations

It's worth noting that the Hamas movement in Lebanon stated on Monday, rejecting "false allegations accusing Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah of supporting armed groups in Ain al-Hilweh." They viewed these allegations as part of ongoing attempts to tarnish the image of the Hamas movement and the Palestinian resistance.

In the wake of renewed clashes in the camp, during which three people were wounded, a cautious security environment prevailed. Bullets from these clashes even reached close to the Central Bank in the city of Sidon.

On Monday, Lebanese security authorities announced an immediate and permanent ceasefire agreement in the camp, along with plans to pursue the extradition of individuals wanted in connection with the recent violence. This announcement followed a meeting in Beirut with the Palestinian Joint Action Committee in Lebanon, which comprises representatives from all Palestinian factions.

The Ain al-Hilweh camp had witnessed violent clashes starting on July 29, primarily involving the Fatah movement and extremist organizations. Tensions escalated following the assassination of Abu Ashraf Al-Armushi, the commander of the Palestinian National Security Forces in Sidon, and four of his companions.