At the forefront of this unsettling development, the intensity of clashes within Ain el-Helweh surged, resulting in the unfortunate injury of 8 individuals, including paramedics who found themselves caught in the crossfire of stray bullets.
In a deeply concerning turn of events, a shell struck the Thalj neighborhood near the Lebanese University, as reported by a correspondent from “El-Nashra” in Saida. This incident coincided with the grim news of 7 fatalities stemming from the ongoing clashes in Ain el-Helweh, with the victims subsequently transported to Al-Hamshari Hospital in Saida. In addition, over 24 individuals sustained injuries during these violent confrontations.
In response to the deteriorating security situation near its branches, the president of the Lebanese University, Professor Bassam Badran, took the decision to close the university’s branches in Saida until Monday morning. Professor Badran noted that the university would issue further statements as the situation continues to evolve.
A separate yet alarming incident unfolded as a shell exploded in the air above the town of Ghazieh, located to the south of Saida. Simultaneously, sniper fire targeted a commercial establishment situated along the Saida seaside corniche.
Earlier during the day, before the resurgence of clashes, a precarious calm prevailed in the Ain el-Helweh camp. The temporary respite in the clashes followed a meeting that took place at the Palestinian embassy in Beirut between delegations representing Fatah and Hamas, just a day earlier.
