Region | Lebanon

Refugee crisis in Lebanon

The UN pleaded for the safety of thousands of civilians trapped by the Lebanese army's siege of militants as the few hundred who managed to get out told harrowing tales of misery and hunger.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:00 May 27, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Reuters
  • Palestinian children cross a Lebanese army checkpoint as they flee the Nahr Al Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon.

Nahr Al Bared: The UN pleaded for the safety of thousands of civilians trapped by the Lebanese army's siege of militants as the few hundred who managed to get out yesterday told harrowing tales of misery and hunger.

Persistent sniper fire by the besieged fighters of the militant group Fatah Al Islam deterred more civilians from fleeing the deteriorating conditions inside Nahr Al Bared refugee camp, badly damaged by shelling and which no longer has running water or electricity.

The children's agency Unicef also called on all sides to protect the civilians trapped by the fighting, including children. "An estimated 10,000 civilians remain in the camp," it said.

UAE aid arrives

The appeal came as the US sent more ammunition yesterday to the Lebanese government. Fatah Al Islam said the US supplies included nerve gas and cluster bombs.

"If they use unconventional weapons against us, we will respond with unconventional attacks," it said.

Meanwhile, a convoy of eight trucks carrying emergency aid and relief supplies from the UAE reached the refugee camp of Al Badawi yesterday. The aid included blankets, foodstuffs and medicines.

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