Shatila refugee camp
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The Shatila refugee camp (Arabic: مخيم شاتيلة) (also Chatila refugee camp) is a long-term refugee camp for Palestinian refugees, set up by UNRWA in 1949. The camp is located within the Lebanese capital Beirut. As of December 2003, it housed 12,235 registered refugees.[1] It is most widely known as the site of the Sabra and Shatila massacre in September 1982, but also played a significant role in the 1982 Lebanon war and the 1985 to 1987 war of the camps. |
Geography and demographics
The Shatila camp is located in southern Beirut. Originally hosting hundreds of refugees, it has grown to more than 12,000 registered Palestinian refugees. Many of these refugees may live outside the camp, while non-Palestinians also live in the camp. The entire camp comprises approximately one square kilometer and thus has an exceptionally high population density.[2]
[edit] Public services
UNRWA operates one health center and two primary schools within the camp. NGOs active in the camp include Al-Najda, Beit Atfal Al-Soumoud, Norwegian Peoples' Aid and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.[3]
[edit] History
[edit] Lebanon War
Main article: Sabra and Shatila massacre
The Shatila camp suffered heavy bombardment from Israeli military forces during the summer of 1982. During a September 1982 push by the Israeli military into west Beirut, the military's Phalangist allies conducted an extensive series of raids on the Sabra neighborhood and the Shatila refugee camp. The extent of Israeli involvement in the attack is disputed. The attacks resulted in the massacre of some 700 to 3500 people, primarily civilians.
Israel began to leave Beirut shortly after the news of the massacre broke. The protection of the camps was entrusted to Italy. Following attacks on the peacekeepers, Italy left Lebanon. The safety of the camps was then entrusted to the Amal militia.
Two subsequent massacres took place at the camps after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. |
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