Palestinians Protest an “Apartheid Wall” Not of Israel’s Making

Although the complaints and the rhetoric are familiar, the barrier being vilified by Palestinians as an “apartheid wall” is not of Israeli making. Rather, when completed, it will encapsulate the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon. Noting similarities to the Israeli defensive barrier that in sections of its 400+ mile length is comprised of 26 ft. tall slabs of concrete, Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip lashed out at the Lebanese government. Palestinian refugees have never been granted the same rights other Lebanese residents have and have remained relegated to camps. Ain Al-Hilweh historically housed about 54,000, but due to the Syrian civil war has swelled to as many as 120,000. The wall emerged as the result of talks between Palestinian leaders and the Lebanese government to restore calm after prolonged clashes between camp residents and the Lebanese army. Ironically, Hamas is concerned about the wall’s impact on human rights and international law.