Ceasefire takes hold in Ain al-Helweh after overnight violations

Calm was engulfing the Ain al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp on Wednesday after a ceasefire entered into effect following four days of deadly clashes between the Fatah Movement and hardline Islamist militants.

The ceasefire had started on Tuesday evening but was marred by a few overnight violations.

“Investigations are underway to hand over anyone proven to be involved in the killing of (Fatah commander Abou Ashraf) al-Armoushi,” the National News Agency reported.

The fierce clashes, which had started Saturday night with the killing of an Islamist militant, resulted in the death of ten people and the wounding of more than 60. The fighting also caused extensive material damage in the camp and displaced thousands of refugees while shells and gunshots from the clashes landed in several Sidon neighborhoods.