The United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees has made the decision to temporarily halt all services in Lebanon’s largest refugee camp in protest against the presence of armed individuals on its premises. This move by UNRWA went into effect on Friday and services are expected to resume on Saturday.
The Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp, situated near the southern port city of Sidon, has recently witnessed intense street battles between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah group and two Islamic militant organizations, Jund al Sham and Shabab al Muslim. These clashes erupted on July 30 after Fatah accused its rivals of killing a senior Fatah military official. The fighting resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, numerous injuries, and millions of dollars’ worth of damage, as confirmed by UNRWA officials.
In another news, an offshore drilling rig has arrived off the coast of Lebanon and will commence operations in the coming weeks. This update comes with an accompanying image of a Palestinian woman seeking medical assistance at a clinic run by UNRWA in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp.
It is worth noting that the Lebanese security forces do not have jurisdiction inside the refugee camps, as the security is in the hands of various Palestinian factions who often compete for power. UNRWA has expressed concern regarding the presence of armed fighters in its facilities, including schools. The agency has called for these individuals to vacate its premises immediately to ensure the unhindered provision of vital assistance to refugees. UNRWA emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the sanctity and impartiality of its installations. Unfortunately, due to repeated violations and extensive damage, it is unlikely that schools will be ready for the 3,200 children at the start of the new school year.
The Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp accommodates over 50,000 people, making it the largest among Lebanon’s 12 Palestinian refugee camps.
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