Mashnouq Vows Not to Back Down until Ain el-Hilweh Fugitives Handed over to State
Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq stressed on Monday that the state will not back down on its demand to be handed over all fugitives who are taking the southern Palestinian camp of Ain el-Hilweh as their safe haven.
“The chance will be given in the first stage for any political solution, but we will not back down,” Mashnouq told As Safir newspaper.
He pointed out that the Palestinian factions have been informed about the state's decision. However, the minister informed them that the situation at the camp can not go on as it is.
“The current situation doesn't benefit the Palestinians nor their ties with the Lebanese state,” Mashnouq remarked. “We are serious.”
Azzam al-Ahmed, the aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said on Sunday that “there will be no strike under any pretext against the camp as the Palestinian leadership vows not to turn Ain el-Hilweh into a safe haven for fugitives.”
The Lebanese state reportedly handed over to al-Ahmad a list of wanted fugitives who had taken refuge at Ain el-Hilweh.
Media reports said that several fugitives, including Salafist cleric Ahmed al-Asir, salafist-turned singer Fadel Shaker and several other wanted suspects have fled to Ain el-Hilweh and are running cells that are planning attacks against Lebanese interests.
Located near the southern city of Sidon, Ain el-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian camp in the country and is home to about 50,000 refugees.
It is known to harbor extremists and fugitives.
Tension frequently surges in the camp as a result of armed disputes between the different Palestinian factions.
By long-standing convention, the Lebanese army does not enter the country's 12 refugee camps, leaving security inside to the Palestinians themselves.
Asked about the U.S. Department of State's new travel warning to Lebanon over ongoing safety and security concerns, Mashnouq downplayed the matter saying: “No one discussed the statement with the Lebanese authority.”
“The issued warning is linked to security reports on recent developments.”
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