The acting General Director of General Security, Major General Elias Bechara, confirmed to "Al-Jomhouria" that "we will not stand idly by in light of what is happening in the camp. This land is subject to Lebanese sovereignty, and this weapon enjoys the cover of Lebanese authorities. What is happening is very serious, and if it expands, it will turn into a protracted crisis, and Lebanon does not need additional crises." Regarding the dimensions of this conflict, General Bechara said: "Certainly, there are hidden hands at play, and the Israeli factor is strongly present. Regardless of conclusions, we must describe the reality that says Palestinian weapons are being used inappropriately and threaten internal stability, and Palestinians are being displaced and killed. Naturally, when this weapon becomes a problem, we need to discuss it. The cover for this weapon was to protect them; however, if it turns into a means to kill each other, the matter changes, and they must bear responsibility. We have several means to combat this chaos, and the priority now is to establish a ceasefire within a studied plan that both sides commit to. Furthermore, the issue of handing over wanted individuals is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, which grants deadlines and acts in the event of non-compliance. Also, Islamic groups do not have the right to violate the security of the camp and the security of Sidon and its surroundings, turning it into a refuge for any terrorist or ISIS member, regardless of their nationality; Al-Fatah also has no right to assume the role of the state. In the end, the Lebanese state is the reference for everyone."
Bechara added to "Al-Jomhouria" that "the situation in the Ain el-Hilweh camp has become unbearable," explaining that "in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the political authority, he has called Palestinian factions to a meeting this afternoon in his office to hold them accountable and convey a clear message that it is unacceptable for the fighting in the camp to continue, which is also impacting the surrounding areas." He noted that "shells have reached the Serail of Sidon and some neighborhoods, and Lebanese citizens have fallen victim alongside the losses within the camp. Thus, national responsibility has compelled me to initiate gathering the Palestinian forces to pressure them to halt this bleeding."
General Bechara warned that what is happening in Ain el-Hilweh has put the state to the test, as it must prove whether it is genuinely a state or whether it will fail this examination. He pointed out that the infighting in the camp serves the Israeli enemy greatly, as the fighters weaken the Palestinian cause on its behalf. He warned of the dangers of turning the Ain el-Hilweh camp into a shelter or haven for fugitives from justice, emphasizing the need to end this phenomenon.
