Washington, DC | May 24, 2007 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expresses extreme concern with the growing violence in and around the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in Lebanon. The fighting taking place in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp began on May 20.
According to news reports, the Lebanese military began actions to route out Fateh al-Islam following their role in a bank robbery, which left a number of Lebanese security forces dead. ADC condemns the actions of Fateh al-Islam which is an extremist splinter group. The civilian death toll is not yet known, but at least 50 soldiers and militants have been killed in the fighting at the camp so far.
ADC is deeply concerned about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire and the spread of violence in Lebanon. The camp is home to approximately 30,000 residents, most of whom were forced out of the Galilee region of historic Palestine more than half a century ago. Humanitarian and emergency workers have reported tremendous difficulty in reaching civilians in need. During a brief lull in fighting thousands of refugees fled the camp but thousands are still caught in the crossfire and untold numbers of homes have been ravaged.
ADC calls on all parties to work to prevent the further escalation of violence and to stop the spread of this conflict. ADC also appeals to all parties to
protect the lives of civilians, cease hostilities, and work toward calm and unity in Lebanon.