NNA - The Lebanese Army Command denied today on "Twitter" what was circulated through social media quoting a military source about the army's preparation to carry out a military operation in Ain El-Hilweh camp. The Army Command confirmed that it is closely following up on the security situation in the camp, while stressing on the need to solely refer to its official communiques to obtain exclusive information in this regard.   ==========R.Sh.

NNA - Prime Minister Najib Mikati followed-up today with Caretaker Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, and Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, on the developments related to the alert statements issued by the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Germany to their citizens in Lebanon. Following deliberation with the military and security leaders, the available information indicated that the country's security situation in general does not call for concern or panic, and that the political and security contacts to address the events of Ain al-Hilweh camp have made advancements, as matters are currently under close monitoring to ensure stability and prevent any security infringement or targeting citizens, residents, and Arab and foreign tourists. In this connection, Mikati commissioned Bou Habib to communicate with "the Arab brothers to reassure them of the safety of their citizens in Lebanon." He also asked Mawlawi to convene the Central Security Council to discuss the challenges that Lebanon may face amidst these tense regional conditions, and to take appropriate decisions to maintain security in all Lebanese regions.   ========R.Sh.

NNA - The Saudi embassy in Lebanon asked citizens to immediately leave Lebanese territory, and warned them against approaching areas seeing armed conflicts, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported early Saturday. The embassy also reiterated the importance of adhering to the decision to prevent Saudi nationals from traveling to Lebanon, wishing security and safety for all. The Saudi embassy in Lebanon posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to the SPA statement, the embassy called on Saudi citizens to contact the following numbers in case of any emergency: - 009611762711 - 009611762722 On Aug. 1, the United Kingdom also updated its travel advice for Lebanon, advising against “all but essential travel” to parts of Lebanon’s south near the Palestinian camp of Ein el-Hilweh. At least 13 people, most of them militants, were killed in fighting that broke out in the camp on July 29 between mainstream faction Fatah and hardline extremists, security sources in the camp told Reuters. Ein el-Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon, hosting around 80,000 of up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees countrywide, according to the United Nations’ agency for refugees from Palestine. --- Al-Arabiya/Reuters      

NNA – Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday followed up on the situation in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain-el-Hilweh, through a phone call he made with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Premier Mikati also contacted, for the same purpose, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Azzam Al-Ahmad, and Palestinian Ambassador, Ashraf Dabour. Mikati also received a phone call from Hamas Movement Politburo Head Ismail Haniyeh. Premier Mikati renewed his call for the Palestinian leaders to "stop the fighting, which constitutes a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty." "It is impermissible and unacceptable for the Palestinian organizations to consider the Lebanese land violable or to resort to this bloody fighting and terrorize the Lebanese, especially the people of the south, who have embraced the Palestinians for many years," Mikati said. The PM also emphasized that "the army, as well as the rest of the Lebanese security forces, will carry out the needed role in order to control security and stop the fighting."   ============== L.Y

NNA - Sidon's MP Abdel Rahman Bizri on Thursday called the Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, for holding an urgent session for the government in the southern city "in support for its residents, camps and surroundings" and "for the protection of citizens." According to Bizri, holding such a meeting in Sidon would prove the government's seriousness in backing the efforts aimed at clinching the ceasefire in the city's Ain-el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.               ==============R.A.H.

NNA - Hamas Movement announced, in a statement on Thursday, that the head of its politburo, Ismail Haniyeh, has contacted Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for talks over the situation in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain-el-Hilweh. According to the statement, Haniyeh urged Mikati to multiply his efforts to clinch the ceasefire the warring factions agreed on last night. Also, Haniyeh stressed the necessity of respecting the decisions made by the Palestinian leaderships, especially the joint action committee, in coordination with the concerned Lebanese authorities.                     =============R.A.H.

NNA - Calm has prevailed in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain-el-Hilweh since the early morning following a night of heavy clashes.   In a statement, the Osbat Al-Ansar group said that "unrestrained" members of Fatah Movement waged attack on its centers and mosques in Al-Tawaree and Al-Safsaf neighborhoods.           ==============R.A.H.

NNA - Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, received, at his Yarze office on Wednesday, MPs Abdel Aziz Samad and Nabil Badr, with whom he discussed the current general situation in the country.   General Aoun later met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Lebanon, Ashraf Dabbour, over the latest developments in the refugee camp of Ain-el-Hilweh.                   ============R.A.H.

NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi in Dimane, accompanied by a ministerial delegation. Mikati later held a meeting with the members of the Council of Maronite Bishops. "During our discussions with the Patriarch, we proposed holding a meeting for the ministers in Dimane at 11:00 next Tuesday to tackle the challenges threatening the Lebanese and the means to confront them," said Mikati. He added that talks with the Patriarch also touched on the displaced Syrians' file. Moreover, he renewed calls to expedite the election of a new president of the republic. Mikati also revealed that he contacted the Central Bank's interim governor Wassim Mansouri in the morning. On the events in Ain-el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, Mikati said: "I am following up on the matter with the army chief and things will be under control soon, God willing."                   ============R.A.H.

NNA - The Council of the Maronite Bishops on Wednesday voiced concerns over the fresh tensions that erupted between the Palestinian factions at the refugee camp of Ain-el-Hilweh in Saida. In a statement following their monthly meeting under the chairmanship of Patriarch Beshara Rahi, the Bishops urged the government as well as the military and security institutions to "take immediate and conclusive measures to put an end to the uncontrolled spread of arms inside the camp," stressing the obligation to "return to the legitimate security." On the current political situation in the country, the Bishops thanked the French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and the five nations for their efforts in helping resolve the presidential ordeal. The Bishops urged the MPs to assume their national and constitutional duty and elect a new president of the republic.                   ===========R.A.H.

NNA - Calm prevails in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in line with the implementation of a cease-fire agreement, which is being supervised by the Palestinian Joint Action Committee which entered the camp yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, investigations remain underway to hand over anyone who proves involvement in the killing of Al-Armoushi. The clashes, which erupted on Saturday evening, resulted in the death of ten people and more than sixty wounded, leaving severe damage to property and infrastructure inside the camp.  Dozens of displaced families are currently waiting for their return home to inspect the damage incurred.      ============R.H.

NNA - Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah tackled on Tuesday the renewed cases of desecrating Holy Quran in Sweden, stressing that the offenders will regret. Addressing Hezbollah March on the 13th of Muharram in the southern city of Nabatieh, Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that Holding Ashura ceremonies after the tenth of Muharram suits recalling the tragic incidents which occurred after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. "This stage has been given the title of ‘Jihad of Clarification’ as undertaken by Sayyeda Zainab. Sayyed Nasrallah pointed out that the renewed desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden insults two billion Muslims, dramatically portraying the burnt Book as pleading the Muslims to defend it. Hezbollah Leader added that Sweden hypocritically allows and denounces Quran desecration simultaneously, noting that the outcomes of the OIC meeting were as fragile as expected. Accordingly, Sayyed Nasrallah called on the Muslim youths to defend their Sacred Book without waiting for the Islamic governments to protect it. Sayyed Nasrallah also urged the Palestinians to rely on themselves in order to confront the Israeli aggression, defend their sanctities and liberate the occupied territories. “OIC fragile position enables us to understand part of Imam Husein agonies and, in the contemporary stage, how Palestine and Al-Quds were lost.” Sayyed Nasrallah clarified that when the people bet on the governments, they failed, but that when they depended on themselves, they reached victories. Nasrallah affirmed that what is going on reinforces our belief that the Resistance, not the governments or the Arab, Islamic or international organizations, adding that the international community is a liar and traitor. "Had Lebanon relied on the Arab and Muslim States, it would have lost its lands.” Hezbollah Secretary General indicated that the incidents occurring in in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain Al-Hilweh are painful because they leave unfortunate repercussions for Sidon and its vicinity, the South, and all of Lebanon. Sayyed Nasrallah called for an immediate halt of hostilities, urging all parties in the camp to exert efforts in order to reach a ceasefire. Sayyed Nasrallah finally congratulated the Lebanese Army on its anniversary, underlining the importance of its role in protecting the national stability and integrity and confronting the Israeli enemy.--agencies     ===============

NNA -  ANNAHAR: Ain al-Hilweh: War of attrition No decisive agreement between government, parliament over borrowing law AL-JOUMHOURIA: Presidential preparations to meet Le Drian Billowing flames of "Ain El-Hilweh" await solution  AL-AKHBAR: Mikati "deceived" deputy governors   ===========R.H.

NNA - A bomb fell near a number of journalists gathered in Sidon’s Syroub while they were covering the ongoing clashes in Ain El-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. Paramedics of "Al-Shifaa” Association for Medical and Humanitarian Services withdrew from inside the camp after being caught under the ongoing fire trade.  Meanwhile, Sidon’s eastern highway and Ghazieh highway have been cut off and traffic has been diverted to the sea road.       =============R.H.

NNA - House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Tuesday welcomed at his Ain al-Tineh residence head of the Defense and Interior  Parliamentary Committee, MP Jihad al-Samad, with whom he broached the country’s general situation, political and security developments, and legislative affairs.  Berri then welcomed Deputy House Speaker, Elias Bou Saab, with whom he discussed the latest developments and an array of legislative affairs.  Berri later met with MP Walid Al-Baarini, with whom he discussed the latest developments and legislative affairs.  On another level, and regarding the tensed security situation in Ain El-Hilweh refugee camp, Speaker Berri received a call from Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, during which the pair discussed the dangerous repercussions of Ain El-Hilweh camp’s security developments.  The Mufti praised "the efforts exerted by Speaker Berri to stop the fighting in the refugee camp."  In turn, Speaker Berri praised the Grand Mufti’s stance which "forbids fighting between brothers of the same cause and calls for an immediate ceasefire."       ==========R.H.

NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday said that the timing of the recent clashes at Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp raises eyebrows, deeming them the outcome of regional and international factors.  “These confrontations are part of repeated attempts to exploit the Lebanese arena for settling external scores at the expense of Lebanon and its citizens,” Mikati said, noting that the ongoing clashes coincide with Egypt's efforts to mediate between Palestinian factions.  “Such a situation is entirely unacceptable and calls for a decisive stance by the Palestinian leadership to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and laws,” he added.  Mikati went on to call on the Palestinian authorities to cooperate with the Lebanese army to curb security situation by handing over those who disrupt peace in Lebanon.  “The Lebanese government is committed to improving the living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon by adopting a national strategy for Palestinian refugees,” Mikati concluded.        ==========R.H.

NNA - The media office of the Public Health ministry announced, in a statement, that due to the security situation in Ain El-Hilweh camp, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Sidon Governmental Hospital administration, evacuated all patients from the hospital located on the outskirts of the camp due to the security conditions for their own safety. A number of patients were transferred in critical condition to nearby hospitals. Work is also underway to distribute dialysis patients to these neighboring hospitals so that they can get the treatment they need, which cannot be postponed.      

NNA - The leader of the Fatah Movement, Abu Ashraf Al-Aroushi, was killed after being subjected to an armed ambush with his comrades in Al-Basateen neighborhood inside Ain Al-Hilweh camp, NNA correspondent said. Fatah denied issuing any statement.      

NNA - Clashes renewed inside Ain al-Hilweh camp on the 'Braxat Tawarek' axis, in which machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades were used. It was also reported that these clashes were renewed immediately after the Palestinian Joint Action Committee finished its meeting and called for the arrest of the murderer. Clashes are taking place between the Zubaidat family and groups affiliated with Islamic activists.      

NNA - Israeli settlers late last night carried out a series of attacks against Palestinians and their properties in multiple locations in the occupied West Bank. Tens of settlers, backed by military forces, gathered at the junction of the village of Ein al-Beida, in the northern Jordan Valley, and pelted stones at passing Palestinian-registered vehicles, whilst Israeli forces provided them with protection. Forces joined in on the attack, firing tear gas canisters at the residents, causing several cases of suffocation among them. In the meantime, a group of settlers carried out similar attacks against Palestinian vehicles driving through the Ramin plain to the west of Tulkarem, causing damages to many cars. Settlers also gathered at Shufa military checkpoint and hampered the access of Palestinian vehicles attempting to cross through. According to the Ministry of Health, a seriously injured one-and-a-half-year-old child and a paramedic crew, who were transporting the infant to a hospital near Qaliqilia, miraculously survived a settler attack carried out near the settlement of Kedumim against the ambulance. Director of Darwish Nazzal Governmental Hospital in Qalqilya, Ramez Abdullah, said that an ambulance heading to a hospital in Nablus to transport a seriously-injured infant suffering from fractions in the face and skull and brain hemorrhage was attacked with stones by settlers, breaking its rear windshield and causing body damage. The ambulance crew and the child miraculously survived the attack, he said. The minister of Health, Mai al-Kileh, condemned this attack, describing it as a recurring theme that has become normal in light of the international silence and the double-standard policy pursued by the world countries. Palestinian residents also managed last night to fend off a settler attack against their homes.  Scores of extremist settlers, backed by  Israeli military soldiers, gathered at the western entrance to the town of Beit Istiya, west of Salfit, and attempted to attack Palestinian residents’’ homes, but were fended off by residents. Settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles at the entrance to the village of Harris to the west of Salfit. Settlers closed entrances to the village and opened live fire on residents. No injuries were reported. Settlers also attacked commuters near the town of Deir Sharaf, northwest of Ramallah.  An ambulance was also attacked near Huwwara military checkpoint, south of Nablus. ----WAFA ==========R.A.H.

NNA – House Speaker, Nabih Berri, is currently meeting at the Second Presidency in Ein El-Tineh, with a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL), headed by its President Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, in presence of U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea. ————————— L.Y

NNA - House Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday welcomed at his Ein Al-Tineh residence the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UNIFIL head of mission and Commander-in-Chief, Major General Aroldo Lazaro, and United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, with whom he broached the country’s general situation. For his part, the House Speaker stressed the paramount importance of UNIFIL’s role in monitoring and curbing daily Israeli breaches and violations of UN Resolution #1701," stressing "Lebanon's commitment to it." Berri then lauded the deep and historical relationship between the Lebanese and UNIFIL. The House Speaker separately had an audience with Caretaker Minister of Education, Abbas al-Halabi, who visited him with an accompanying delegation. The meeting reportedly assessed the country’s educational status and the many challenges it currently faces.  Berri later received President of the Lebanese American University, Professor Michel Moawad.      ===========R.H.

NNA - The Israeli occupation forces shot and killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank this morning, one in Beit Ummar in the south of the West Bank, and two others, siblings, near Ramallah, according to the Ministry of Health. Mufeed Mohammad Ikhlil, 44, was shot in the head and killed during clashes between soldiers and stone-throwing Palestinians in Beit Ummar. Nine others were shot by live bullets, one hit in the chest and the others in the upper and lower limbs and reported to be in stable condition. In the village of Kufr Ein, near Ramallah, soldiers opened fire at the two siblings, Jawad and Thafer Abdul Rahman Rimawi, 22 and 21, and killed them. Jawad, a new Business Administration graduate from Birzeit University, was shot in the pelvis, and his bother Thafer, a fourth-year Technology student also at Birzeit University, was shot in the chest, said the Ministry of Health. A general strike was declared in Ramallah as a result. The Ministry of Health said that with the three killed today, the Israel army has shot and killed 153 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the start of the year. ----WAFA ================R.A.H.

NNA - Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, is currently meeting at his Ein Al-Tineh residence with Director General of Lebanon’s General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, who arrived at 11:30 am.          ============R.H.

NNA - Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Wednesday welcomed at his Ein Al-Tineh residence members of the "National Moderation Bloc", with whom he discussed the country’s general situation, the latest political developments, as well as legislative and development affairs in the northern Lebanese region in general, and Akkar in particular. Speaker Berri also had an audience with Vice-President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council , Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib.     ======================R.H.

NNA - 10:00 am       Islamic charity association “Al Macharii” celebrates Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday  with an event titled the “Corniche of joy” in Ein el Mrayseh. 7:00 pm         Launch of the 6th Edition of “Beirut Dignity Festival for Human Right Films” at the “Tournesol” Theater - Tayyouneh – Beirut. The festival is organized in partnership with the United Nations Information Center in Beirut and the Czech Embassy in Lebanon and "UMAM Documentation & Research" organization.     =================

NNA - House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Monday welcomed at his Ein Al-Tineh residence head of the International Monetary Fund's mission, Ernesto Rigo Ramirez, who visited him with an accompanying IMF delegation.  Speaker Berri reiterated the Parliament's insistence to intensify its work so as to accomplish what is required of it, especially in terms of legislative reform. “The Parliament is willing to cooperate with the executive authority in this regard and is adamant about preserving depositors’ rights,” Berri added.  Berri separately met with the newly appointed Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon, Koen Vervaeke, who paid him a protocol visit upon assuming his new diplomatic duties as the country's ambassador to Lebanon.  Later in the afternoon, Berri welcomed United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Joanna Wronecka, with whom he discussed the general situation and the latest developments.        =============R.H.

NNA - Palestinian joint force official in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, Colonel Abdel Hadi al-Asadi, said in a statement on Sunday: "During the meeting this morning by the Palestinian Joint Action Committee -  the political leadership, it was agreed to withdraw all armed manifestations from the streets, alleys and rooftops within the camp, and to ensure that the troublemakers and armed men belonging to Al-Bahti family leave al-Zeeb neighborhood, as the Palestinian national security forces work to calm the situation and prevent tension." The statement added that "it was also agreed to set up a point for the Palestinian security forces at the vegetable market junction of the lower street, provided that there will be subsequent steps for a solution to follow." Regarding the delay in the ceasefire, Al-Asadi said: "The intensity of the fire and the throwing of bombs prevented the joint force from reaching the site, but there were extensive contacts that we made with all the political forces and the Palestinian embassy for a ceasefire."   ========R.Sh.

NNA - Cautious calm prevailed this morning in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, after last night’s armed clashes between the Al-Bahti and Qablawi families, in wake of previous disputes, which led to a number of injuries and material damages. Clashes in al-Zeeb neighborhood on the lower street inside the camp, in which machine guns, bombs and rocket-propelled grenades were used, some of which hit the Hisbah and Siroub areas in Sidon, lasted more than three hours. Palestinian Ambassador Ashraf Dabbour intervened to stop the ongoing clashes. This morning, the camp's residents woke up to the horrific damages in al-Zeeb neighborhood, where a number of shops, houses and cars were burnt.   =======R.Sh.

NNA – Sidon – The Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp is currently witnessing security tension, as clashes with automatic weapons are taking place in the lower street inside the camp, the causes of which are not yet known, NNA correspondent indicated.   =======R.Sh.