Lebanon

Clashes in "Ain al-Hilweh" Enter Their Fifth Day: Cautious Calm After Escalation

Clashes in

A cautious calm has settled over the Ain al-Hilweh camp in the evening, following violations of the ceasefire agreement by both parties involved in the conflict, Fatah and the Islamists. Heavy gunfire was reported on the al-Hilweh Mountain front in the Hittin area. Schools affiliated with the Maqasid Association and branches of the Lebanese University, along with the South Lebanon Water Corporation, announced the extension of their closures for the safety of everyone.

The intensity of clashes between the Fatah movement and the Islamic groups intensified during the day at the Hittin al-Hilweh front, with the use of machine guns and rocket fire. Numerous stray bullets reached the market at the southern entrance of Sidon, penetrating a warehouse, and one stray bullet hit a vegetable cart at the seaside corniche. Additionally, a woman was injured by shrapnel in the shoulder at the al-Mousalji mosque in Sidon due to a shell falling near the mosque; emergency response teams from the Islamic Medical Society provided aid and transported her to al-Hamshari Hospital. The shelling also reached the Total Station on the road to Maghdouche.

As reported by the National News Agency, a notable wanted individual from the "Muslim Youth Gathering" in the Ain al-Hilweh camp, known as Ezzedine Abu Dawood (Dabia), was transported to al-Ra'i Hospital with serious injuries sustained during the clashes, coinciding with the arrival of an army intelligence unit at the scene. It is noteworthy that Dabia is one of the eight wanted individuals accused of the assassination of the head of the Palestinian National Security in Sidon, Brigadier General Abu Ashraf Al-Armoushi, along with four of his companions.

The ongoing clashes within the Ain al-Hilweh camp entered their fifth day, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, with the fighting escalating in the early morning after a relative calm overnight, occasionally interrupted by bursts of gunfire and grenade launches. The violence intensified in the morning, particularly on the Hittin al-Hilweh and Ras al-Ahmar - Tayri fronts, along the upper street, utilizing machine guns and rocket shells. Sniper fire also affected nearby neighborhoods and areas in the city of Sidon, leading to the closure of the southern Sidon entrance from the Hittin area and diverting traffic to the coastal road. Security forces closed the Maghdouche - Sayda road.

During the night, shell fragments scattered in various areas of Sidon, causing multiple injuries among civilians, with recorded injuries from a shell explosion between the al-Safouri and Hittin neighborhoods inside the camp. The military point stationed on the same axis was also subjected to fire from both conflicting parties, resulting in the injury of five soldiers, one of whom is in critical condition, according to a statement issued by the army.

### Buzuri Meets Mufti Sosan

MP Abdel Rahman Buzuri met with the Mufti of Sidon and its districts, Sheikh Salim Sosan, to discuss the security events in the Ain al-Hilweh camp and their implications for Sidon and its surroundings, as well as the risks and damages facing the citizens and their livelihoods. They emphasized the urgent need to immediately stop the clashes and prevent their recurrence, given the severe damage caused to the city and its residents, as well as to the Palestinians and their cause.

### Hamas in Lebanon Condemns Targeting of the Army

The Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" in Lebanon condemned the targeting of two centers belonging to the Lebanese National Army units deployed around the Ain al-Hilweh camp by three shells, which resulted in the injury of five soldiers. They deemed it a suspicious act aimed at undermining the army and Lebanon's sovereignty, as well as complicating the situation in the camp and steering events towards dangerous directions.

They wished for a speedy recovery for the injured soldiers, highlighting the loyalty of the Lebanese National Army and its commitment to the Palestinian people. "We view with pride its national role in confronting the Zionist enemy with valor," they added.

### Palestinian Liberation Organization Condemns Targeting of the Lebanese Army

The leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization factions in Lebanon condemned the targeting of Lebanese army positions around Ain al-Hilweh, which resulted in five soldiers being injured. They considered targeting the Lebanese army as a suspicious act that harms the Palestinian national cause and serves the enemies of both the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, especially the Zionist enemy.

They affirmed their appreciation for the good relationship with the Lebanese army and its wise leadership, which highly values the safety and stability of their people in all Palestinian camps and gatherings in Lebanon. They wished for a quick recovery for the injured Lebanese soldiers.

### Palestinian Forces Coalition Denounces Targeting of Army Centers

The leadership of the Palestinian Forces Coalition in Lebanon condemned the targeting of two Lebanese army centers surrounding Ain al-Hilweh, which resulted in injuries to five soldiers. They deemed this targeting a suspicious act with dangerous implications. They praised the responsibility and high morals of the Lebanese National Army, highlighting its patience and dedication to the safety of the Palestinian people.

### Closure of Government Institutions and Schools

In light of the situation, the Southern Governor Mansour Diab announced the closure of the Sadia Seraya administrations on Monday due to the emerging security developments in the Ain al-Hilweh camp. The General Administration of the South Lebanon Water Corporation also announced that operations at its main center in Sidon would cease on Monday due to instability stemming from the ongoing clashes in Ain al-Hilweh.

The management of "Jinan University" in Sidon announced that the university would remain closed for the safety of faculty, staff, students, and workers, postponing the start of the academic year until further notice. The president of the Islamic Maqasid Charitable Association in Sidon also announced the continued closure of the association's office and schools.

Al-Furqan Secondary School stated that all scheduled entrance examinations and activities for Monday would be postponed to a later date dependent on the security situation.

### Hezbollah Expresses Regret Over Fighting in Ain al-Hilweh

Hezbollah expressed regret over the ongoing clashes in Ain al-Hilweh that have resulted in casualties, emphasizing that this fighting serves the interests of the Zionist enemy. In a statement, Hezbollah expressed deep regret over the fighting in Ain al-Hilweh, which has led to casualties, injuries, destruction of property, and further displacement of the Palestinian people.

The statement also noted that the clashes had reached nearby areas, religious complexes, educational institutions, army points, and nearby roads. Hezbollah affirmed its categorical opposition to this fighting and emphasized that the only beneficiary is the Zionist enemy, while the greatest victims are the Palestinian people and their central cause.

He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged compliance with all agreed-upon solutions and frameworks in the framework of national Palestinian action, coordinated with Lebanese security agencies and influential forces.

### Lebanese Forces Statement on Ongoing Clashes

The Lebanese Forces party in the Sidon-Zahrani region stated that the escalation of armed conflicts in Ain al-Hilweh, which led to gunfire and shelling affecting the city of Sidon and surrounding areas, is resulting in losses of life and property damage, not to mention the humanitarian crisis linked to the displacement of civilians from the camp.

In light of this grim scene, the statement called on the Lebanese army and all institutions of the Lebanese state to act seriously and effectively to stop this ongoing tragedy, advocating for decisive measures to protect citizens' rights and dignity, including the surrender of all illegal weapons—whether Palestinian or Lebanese—to the army. They warned that if this step is not taken, Lebanon will remain a hostage to armed groups that terrorize Lebanese citizens rather than contribute to liberating Palestine, Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.

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