Clashes have broken out between Palestinian factions in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon. The fighting was between members of the Fatah faction and an Islamist group called Jund al-Sham. It took place in the densely populated Ein el-Hilwe refugee camp, which is located on the outskirts of the southern city of Sidon. Fighters launched rockets and exchanged gunfire in the middle of the camp, causing dozens of civilians to flee. Lebanese and Palestinian officials said one Fatah member was killed and four others wounded, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Tension had been high following the arrest by Fatah on Thursday of Samir Maarouf. He is a commander in the Jund al-Sham, a relatively small faction in the Palestinian camp, which is believed to have around 50 armed members. Fatah handed Mr Maarouf over to the Lebanese army, accusing him of violence.
Formed in 2002, Jund al-Sham - literally the Army of Greater Syria - is a radical splinter group.