FOUR KILLED AND MORE THAN 60 INJURED AMID HEAVY VIOLENCE IN EIN EL-HILWEH REFUGEE CAMP

Sun 10 September 2023:

On the evening of Thursday 7 September, clashes resumed in Ein el Hilweh camp between armed actors after four weeks of relative calm. Shooting and the use of heavy weaponry has continued since this time, with attempts at establishing a durable cease-fire unsuccessful.

According to Dorothée Klaus, director of UNRWA affairs in Lebanon, ”Heavy violence resumed in Ein El Hilweh camp on the night of 7 September breaking a four-week fragile ceasefire. At least four people were reportedly killed and more than 60 injured. Hundreds of families have reportedly fled the camp to the nearby city of Sidon in search of safety.

“UNRWA, with partners, is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs. We opened shelters in schools and other facilities to accommodate over 750 displaced people as fighting and heavy destruction of homes and facilities continues across the camp.

PALESTINIAN GROUPS CLASH FOR A THIRD DAY IN LEBANON CAMP

“Meanwhile, armed groups continue to take over eight UNRWA schools which provide education for 5,900 Palestine Refugee children. We continue to receive horrific reports of extensive damage to the schools and education material meant for children. UNRWA is currently exploring alternatives to accommodate children from Ein El Hilweh camp so they start the school year with their peers on 2 October and do not miss on their right to education.

“UNRWA calls on all parties and those with influence over them to stop the violence. Until then, those fighting should protect civilians, including children, wherever they are in the camp. They should refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure including schools and medical facilities.”

Earlier on July 29, the camp saw heavy clashes between the same fighting groups, which left 11 people dead and more than 40 others injured, according to UN figures.

Established in 1948, Ein el-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, with 50,000 registered people, according to UN figures, though unofficial statistics put the camp’s population at 70,000.

The total number of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is estimated to be about 200,000, distributed among 12 camps, most of which are controlled by Palestinian factions.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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