Thousands of people have fled a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon where a ceasefire between Lebanese troops and Islamic militants has taken hold. Residents have been trapped as Lebanese forces shelled the Nahr al-Bared camp in a battle with the group Fatah al-Islam. At least 80 people have died, with dozens more wounded since Sunday. An unknown number of civilians are feared buried beneath the rubble. A U.N. relief convoy was forced to turn back after coming under fire. The situation in the camp is said to be dire and worsening.

Unidentified resident: “We need water. We need to eat. Look at the children. Please, God keep you. Our house was destroyed. Have mercy on us. May God have mercy on you.”

In the United States, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice continued to voice support for the Lebanese government.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “The Siniora government is fighting against a very tough extremist foe. But Lebanon is doing the right thing to try to protect its population, to assert its sovereignty, and so we are very supportive of the Siniora government and what it is trying to do.”