More Joint Security Force Members Deploy in Ain el-Hilweh

Members of the Palestinian joint security force deployed on Tuesday in two areas in the southern refugee camp Ain el-Hilweh after removing the obstacles hindering their presence there, the state-run National News Agency reported.

A 30-member force deployed at the checkpoint near the entrance of al-Taware neighborhood, it said.

Another 40-member unit positioned at the checkpoint of al-Tahtani street, NNA stated.

The deployment came as part of efforts to consolidate security and stability in the camp, the agency added.

The decision by the Higher Palestinian Security Committee to scale up a security plan at the camps began last year when the force deployed in Ain el-Hilweh that lies near Sidon.

The joint force, which is led by Maj. Gen. Munir Maqdah, a senior Fatah official, has also deployed in other Palestinian camps.

By long-standing convention the Lebanese army does not enter the shanty towns, leaving security inside to the Palestinians themselves.

There have been several reports that the camps have become a safe haven for extremists.

G.K.

M.T.