Three die in clashes at Palestinian camp in Lebanon

SIDON , Lebanon, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Fighting between rival groups in Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp has killed at least three people.

Escalating rivalry between the Fatah movement and the Jund al-Sham group began Monday in the impoverished Ain al-Hilweh camp in southern Lebanon, after two Fatah members were killed Saturday. The camp contains over 10,000 refugees and is notorious as a place where fugitives settle disputes. Palestinian factions, and not the Lebanese army, are responsible for security, although the army and intelligence officers are currently surrounding the camp at its four entrances.

Three truces and ceasefires were arranged over the weekend but have failed.

The casualties were taken to a hospital in nearby Sidon. Many families in the camp have also fled to Sidon. The camp is one of 12 for registered Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, who number about 450,000.