Israel Strikes Lebanon: Deadly Airstrike Kills 13 Near Refugee Camp

The Israeli military (IDF) targeted a ‘training compound’ allegedly used by Hamas in the Ein el-Hilweh area. Hamas strongly refuted this claim, calling the accusation “completely fabricated.”

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people. The strike occurred near a Palestinian refugee camp. Lebanon’s health ministry officially confirmed the fatalities. Israel asserted that its targets were Hamas members. In contrast, Hamas dismissed these claims. They called the Israeli allegations “lies and a fabricated story.”

Israel Claims: Targeting a Hamas Training Camp

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they struck a Hamas ‘training compound.’ The location was in the Ein el-Hilweh region. According to the IDF, this spot was used to plan and launch attacks on Israel. Hamas completely rejected this statement. They claimed the allegation was “completely fabricated.” Furthermore, they insisted they have no military bases within Palestinian camps.

Injured Treated, Panic in the Camp

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that at least four individuals were wounded. This is in addition to the fatalities. Videos on social media showed a chaotic scene. Ambulances sped through the narrow streets of the Ein el-Hilweh camp. A large column of smoke rose from the area. Reports suggested the strike hit an exterior section of a mosque. This area is usually crowded at night.

What Accusations Did Hamas Make?

Hamas condemned the attack vehemently. They asserted that the targeted location was actually an ‘open playground.’ They said it was not a military position. The IDF defended its actions. They stated they used “precision weapons, aerial surveillance, and extra intelligence.” This was done to avoid harming civilians before the strike.

Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah Conflict Intensifies Since 2023

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza. The assault killed 1,200 people. Also, 251 people were taken hostage. Israel’s counter-offensive followed this attack. The Gaza Hamas-run health ministry reports 69,169 Palestinian deaths since then. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Lebanon, fired rockets at Israel the next day. A 13-month conflict ensued between the two. The conflict escalated significantly in October 2024. Israel launched heavy bombing and ground operations.

Heavy Casualties in Lebanon

Lebanese officials estimate about 4,000 people have died in this conflict. This count includes a large number of civilians. Additionally, over 1.2 million people were displaced from their homes. Israel claims 80 of its soldiers were killed. They also reported 47 civilian deaths in these attacks.