Ain al-Hilweh: A Bastion or a Burden?

Southern Lebanon is witnessing renewed debate over the status of Ain al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in the country. The controversy centers on calls for disarmament within the camp, a move that has sparked strong reactions from various factions.

Sheikh Khader Al-Kabsh, head of the Lebanese “Upgrade” stream, has emerged as a vocal defender of the camp. His statements come in response to Azzam Al-Ahmad, a member of the Central Committee of the “Fatah” movement, who has voiced concerns about weapons within the camp.

Ain al-Hilweh camp is not a denial of terrorism and extremism, but rather a castle of steadfast castles that includes honorable people looking to liberation and return, despite the difficult living and security conditions.

Sheikh Al-Kabsh’s remarks underscore the deep divisions surrounding the issue of disarmament and the future of Palestinian camps in Lebanon.

Ramallah’s Role and the “American Agenda”

Al-Kabsh accuses the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah of pursuing an agenda that serves external interests. He claims that proposals for disarmament are part of a broader effort to weaken resistance factions.

According to Al-Kabsh, the authority is attempting to ignore the sedition in the Palestinian camps, through decisions and proposals that only serve the American agenda that seeks to disarm the resistance factions, and exclude everyone who rejects the settlement and normalization project wiht the Zionist enemy.

he further suggests that the authority’s hesitation to proceed with disarmament indicates a tacit acknowledgment of the risks involved. The authority is declining today and requests to postpone its presentation regarding disarmament, which is an implicit recognition of the mistake of this adventurous project that threatens the Palestinian civil peace inside Lebanon.

Lebanese Sovereignty and the Limits of External influence

Al-Kabsh dismisses statements suggesting potential military intervention in the camp, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with Lebanese authorities.

He criticizes Azzam Al-Ahmad’s escalating statements…about the support of power for any potential military intervention in the camp, describing them as talking in the air that has no value, because the decision in the end is an internal Lebanese decision, and the official Lebanese institutions have proven their keenness on wisdom and the adoption of dialog in dealing with strategic issues, which the Lebanese President expressed on more than one occasion.

Al-Kabsh asserts that Lebanese institutions have consistently prioritized dialogue and wisdom in addressing sensitive issues.

Maintaining the camp’s Legacy

Despite acknowledging the presence of “outlaws” within Ain al-Hilweh, Al-Kabsh insists that the camp remains a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

Ain al-Hilweh camp was and still is a symbol of the Palestinian struggle, and that the presence of some of the outlaws does not justify the launch of circulations or give excuses inside and outside to undermine the camp and its people.

He cautions against actions that could ignite internal conflicts. We are not with the security chaos, but at the same time we refuse to put the camps into Palestinian -Palestinian or Palestinian battles – Lebanese that only serve the enemies of our people and our nation.

Escalating Tensions

Recent weeks have seen increased efforts to disarm factions within the camps,led by the Palestinian Authority in coordination with Lebanese and international actors. This initiative has been met with resistance from Palestinian political circles, raising the specter of renewed conflict.

FAQ: Ain al-Hilweh Camp

• What is Ain al-Hilweh? The largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, located near Sidon.
• Why is it meaningful? It’s a densely populated area with diverse political factions and a symbol of Palestinian struggle.
• What’s the current issue? Calls for disarmament of factions within the camp are causing tension.
• Who is involved? The Palestinian Authority, Lebanese officials, international parties, and various Palestinian factions.