Ayn El-Hilwah (Ein El-Helweh)

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AYN EL-HILWAH (Ein el-Helweh)

A camp for Palestinian refugees in South Lebanon, located 3 kilometers east of the coastal city of Sidon (Sayda). Set up in 1949 by the International Red Cross following the first Palestinian exodus, it became one of the largest and most populated of the Palestinian camps. Until 1952, housing was in tents; then, fabric was replaced with concrete buildings, transforming the camp into a true city. From 1970 on, Ayn el-Hilwah has been one of the most important bastions of Palestinian resistance in Lebanon, and diverse organizations rub shoulders there, some of which are opposed to the peace process. Camp security is the responsibility of Palestinian groups themselves.

SEE ALSO South Lebanon.