On June 29, hundreds of Palestinians staged a protest and marched three miles from Baddawi camp to Nahr al-Bared.  Most protesters were Palestinian refugees who fled the Nahr al-Bared camp after fighting began in late May.  The purpose of the protest was to regain access to their home.  Many fear that the damage resulting from the heavy fighting will prevent them from returning to their homes. 

During the march, Lebanese soldiers fired on the protesters, killing two and wounding many more.  Witnesses stated that when marchers drew close to an army checkpoint, the soldiers fired in the air above them.  When the crowd did not disperse, soldiers fired their weapons at the protesters.  While witnesses and protesters stated that the march was a peaceful demonstration, the Lebanese army issued a statement that marchers attacked the soldiers with sticks and knives. 

For more information please see:
ABC News:  “2 shot dead in refugee protest in Lebanon”  30 June 2007. 

New York Times:  “Lebanese troops kill 2 Palestinian protesters and wound 30”  30 June 2007. 

BBC:  “Lebanese army ‘kills protesters’”  29 June 2007. 

Guardian:  “2 Reported killed in Northern Lebanon”  29 June 2007. 

Reuters:  “Lebanese troops fire at Palestinian protest, 2 die”  29 June 2007. 

VOA News:  “Lebanese army fires at protesters outside Palestinian camp”  29 June 2007.