Sectarian tensions loom in Lebanon refugee camps

Tensions are escalating in Ain al-Helweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon as Sunni- Shiite sectarianism started dividing residents amid fears of a civil war.

Several youths in the camp spoke under pseudonyms to AlArabiya.net about their impression of the effect of Lebanese politics on Palestinians in Ain al-Helweh, the largest Palestinian camp in Lebanon, which houses more than 70,000 refugees.

It is important to follow the political situation in Lebanon to understand the current divisions in refugee camps, said Hossam.

“Palestinians are being dragged to Lebanese internal divisions and they have to be very careful,” he said. “That is why I avoid political talk with my friends and I make sure not to take sides.”

However, Hossam found it unlikely that Palestinians will be part of any civil war that might take place in Lebanon.

“If I have to take sides, I will of course stand by my sect.”

Political game

Ali argued that it is very difficult to keep Palestinians outside the political game in Lebanon and cited the incidents of Nahr al-Bared camp in northern Lebanon.

“Palestinians will definitely be dragged in any sectarian war. There is never a sedition that happens in Lebanon in which tables are not turned on Palestinians. Like Fatah al-Islam faction came into being in Nahr al-Bared, a similar group will emerge in Ain al-Helweh.”

Ali agrees with Hossam as far as taking sides if he has to, especially that he believes that the special Lebanon tribunal, which investigates the murder of former Lebanese premier Rafik al-Hariri is not legitimate in the first place.

“If a war takes place, I will definitely side with Hezbollah. In this case, Palestinians will not be dealt with according to their sects, but rather according to their imposed presence in Lebanon.”

Fatma seems to have justified Ali’s support for Hezbollah regardless of sects.

“We support any resistance movement that fights the Israeli occupation.”

As for Ahmed, he insists on remaining objective no matter what happens.

“If a war takes place, I will just lock myself up at home.”

Regarding the way the camp is becoming divided, Mohammed explained that Sunni and Shiite leading figures have started recruiting youths belonging to their respective sects.

“This camp will play an important role in any future war. There are so many ways that make it inevitable for camp youths not to be involved. That is why we have to block all the loopholes through which they get to us.”

Inevitable relationship

Palestinian refugee camps activist Edward Kanoureh argued that the relationship between Palestinians in Lebanon and Lebanese politics.

“The long presence of Palestinians in Lebanon makes it very difficult to keep them away from the situation.”

Kanoureh explained that even though Palestinians prefer to stay away from any future clashes and that their priority is protecting their camps, Lebanese factions are trying to attract them to their side.

“Both loyalists and the opposition are trying to win Palestinians to their side in order to make the balance of power will be tipped in their favor.”

Kanoureh argued that if the main aim of Lebanese factions is to fight Israel, then Palestinians can be made part of the strategic defense plan Lebanon is working on.

“If fighting Israel is the main purpose then Hezbollah should include Palestinians in its resistance ranks,” he concluded.


(Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid)

Both loyalists and the opposition are trying to win Palestinians to their side in order to make the balance of power will be tipped in their favor

Palestinian refugee camps activist Edward Kanoureh