Deadly clashes in Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp kill six
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Beirut: Violent clashes erupted in Ein El-Hilweh, Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, on Sunday resulting in the death of at least five people and injuring seven others. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) later updated the death toll to six, with two children among the wounded.
The camp, housing around 55,000 Palestinians displaced by the establishment of Israel in 1948, has been notorious for lawlessness and recurring violence.
According to Palestinian officials, the turmoil began when an unidentified assailant attempted to assassinate militant Mahmoud Khalil. The intended target survived, but his companion lost his life in the attack. A Palestinian military general from the Fatah group and three escorts were also assassinated by militants in the camp.
The situation escalated as factions engaged in intense gunfights using assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and hand grenades.
The clashes briefly subsided in the morning, though sporadic sniper fire continued. However, they reignited following the killing of the Palestinian general and his escorts, leading to a state of chaos in the camp.
Stray bullets hit nearby buildings and shattered windows and storefronts in Sidon neighbourhoods close to the camp, prompting some residents to flee their homes. The Sidon General Hospital evacuated its staff and patients for safety.
UNRWA reported damage to two of its schools, suspending all operations in Ein El-Hilweh, affecting approximately 2,000 students.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the clashes, urging the Palestinian leadership to cooperate with the Lebanese army in controlling the security situation and apprehending those responsible for destabilizing the area.