Tragic Israeli Airstrike Claims 13 Lives Near Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon
At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli strike near a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, according to the country's health ministry.
The Israeli military stated that it had targeted members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas operating in a training compound... in the Ein el-Hilweh area. This location was claimed to be used by Hamas to plan and carry out attacks against Israel, though no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
Hamas has not yet commented on the situation. Israel has conducted regular airstrikes in Lebanon since reaching a deal to end hostilities with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. While many airstrikes have focused on Hezbollah, Hamas has also been targeted.
In addition to the fatalities, Lebanon's health ministry reported at least four individuals sustained injuries in the strike.
Images from the scene depicted emergency responders working at the entrance of Ein el-Hilweh, Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp. Footage online showed ambulances navigating through the crowded camp, with smoke rising from the site of the attack.
Reports indicated that the strike may have hit an area outside a mosque, which is typically busy at night, suggesting a potentially higher risk to civilian populations, as various Palestinian factions are known to operate within the camp.
The Israeli Defense Forces asserted that measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm, including the use of precision munitions and aerial reconnaissance.
The current tensions follow an attack by Hamas on southern Israel from Gaza, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages. In retaliation, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to significant casualties, with claims of at least 69,169 Palestinian fatalities to date.
Escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified since the latter's rocket attacks in solidarity with Gazan Palestinians.
Previous conflicts have resulted in high casualties and displacement, further complicating the humanitarian situation in Lebanon.
