The fighting was fiercer than it had been Thursday, YaLibnan reported.

The fighting in Ein al-Hilweh was triggered by Fatah's capture of Hussam Marouf, described as a key member of Jund el Sham, a Syrian-based group. He was turned over to Lebanese security forces.

Some families fled the camp, seeking refuge in Sidon. The fighting was confined to the camp and concentrated on its main street.

A number of Palestinian leaders were reported to have entered the camp late Friday in an effort to broker an end to the clashes.