Ghosn Says Army Exercising Self-Control, Warns Against Targeting it

Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn stressed on Thursday that the army is exercising self-control in dealing with all the security incidents across the country.

“It is not acceptable to confront the army or target its prestige, this matter is indisputable and settled,” Ghosn told As Safir newspaper.

Tension escalated recently between the residents of Nahr al-Bared and Ain el-Hilweh refugee camps and the army.

The clashes left three Palestinians killed, one in Ain al-Hilweh and two in Nahr al-Bared.

Ghosn pointed out that Palestinian factions are committed to calm, refusing to put the camps in confrontation with the army.

However, the defense minister warned that the situation requires the highest level of vigilance and caution.

He noted that the country is passing through an “unbalanced” phase that is open to all options.

Ghosn urged all sides to respect the army as it’s the only authority capable of maintaining the security of the nation and the citizens without any discrimination.

Palestinian sources told al-Mustaqbal newspaper that top Palestinian leader Azzam al-Ahmed, member of Fatah’s Central Committee, arrived on Wednesday overnight in Beirut.

Ahmed held a meeting with General Security Chief, Brigadier General Abbas Ibrahim.

According to the sources Ahmed’s visit is aimed at addressing the latest developments in the Palestinian refugee camps.

He expressed a fear that the unrest might renew in the absence of serious solutions to resolve the crisis.

Al-Mustaqbal daily reported that Ahmed will hold talks with several Lebanese officials on Thursday.