Lebanon: Clashes in Palestinian Camp Kill at Least 9

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Facts

  • At least nine people were killed, and 37 others were injured, including children, after fighting broke out on Sunday in Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp near the southern port city of Sidon. A new ceasefire on Monday sought to end the fighting but quickly broke down, leading to another round of clashes.1
  • Palestinian officials claim a gunman in Ain el-Hilweh camp tried to assassinate Islamist militant Mahmoud Khalil, killing his companion instead. Later, Islamist militants assassinated a Palestinian military general and three aides from Fatah — [a Palestinian armed group and political party that dominates the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.]2
  • Though the clashes between Fatah and Islamist militant groups subsided by the evening after a ceasefire was agreed upon, Fatah confirmed the death of commander Ashraf al-Armouchi and four of his "comrades" during a "heinous operation."3
  • A Lebanese soldier was reportedly hit by shrapnel from "a mortar shell that fell in one of the military posts," the Lebanese army said, adding the soldier's condition was stable.4
  • The UN agency responsible for the welfare of Palestinian refugees and providing essential services to nearly 50K people living in the camp [UNRWA], said it was stopping all operations in Ain el-Hilweh camp.5
  • Ain el-Hilweh was established in 1948 to host Palestinians displaced during the establishment of Israel. Due to past agreements with the Lebanese government, the Lebanese army has no jurisdiction over the camps, and Palestinian factions are responsible for their security.6

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2Guardian, 3France 24, 4Associated Press, 5Reuters, and 6BBC News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by JNS. It's the failure of the Lebanese government to impose the rule of law and maintain the security and stability of the country, including the Palestinian refugee camps. Though Lebanon never misses an opportunity to condemn Israel, Palestinians in Lebanon are treated like second-class citizens. Mostly, it's the failure of the UNRWA that only exists because of the international community's commitment to propagate Palestinian political fantasies.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Middle East Monitor. When the camp was established, it was only intended to offer a temporary solution, not to last for 56 years. Though Palestinians are deeply discriminated against in Lebanon, ultimately the only reason for their presence in the country is because of Israeli ethnic cleansing in 1948. Indeed, at times, international aid inadvertently compliments Israel's colonial policies toward Palestinians as it prepares to annex even more Palestinian land in the West Bank.

Predictions