At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli strike near a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, the country's health ministry says. The Israeli military stated the operation was aimed at members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas "operating in a training compound... in the Ein el-Hilweh area." The military claimed the site was used by Hamas for planning and executing attacks against Israel, though no supporting evidence was provided. Hamas has yet to comment on the incident.
Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes in Lebanon since the completion of a conflict agreement involving Hezbollah, primarily targeting the Iranian-backed group, but also striking Hamas.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that alongside those killed, at least four people sustained injuries from the strike. Images from the scene depicted emergency workers responding at the Ein el-Hilweh camp, the largest of its kind in Lebanon. Videos circulating online captured ambulances navigating the crowded streets of the camp, with a significant plume of smoke rising from the targeted area.
Initial reports indicated the strike hit close to a mosque, typically bustling with activity at night, suggesting the presence of various Palestinian factions within the camp.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they employed measures to protect civilians, including precision munitions and enhanced intelligence.
Tensions have surged since Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023, resulting in a devastating impact with thousands reported dead from both sides. According to data, Israeli military responses have resulted in extensive casualties in Gaza, prompting further escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant human tolls documented on both sides.
Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes in Lebanon since the completion of a conflict agreement involving Hezbollah, primarily targeting the Iranian-backed group, but also striking Hamas.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that alongside those killed, at least four people sustained injuries from the strike. Images from the scene depicted emergency workers responding at the Ein el-Hilweh camp, the largest of its kind in Lebanon. Videos circulating online captured ambulances navigating the crowded streets of the camp, with a significant plume of smoke rising from the targeted area.
Initial reports indicated the strike hit close to a mosque, typically bustling with activity at night, suggesting the presence of various Palestinian factions within the camp.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they employed measures to protect civilians, including precision munitions and enhanced intelligence.
Tensions have surged since Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023, resulting in a devastating impact with thousands reported dead from both sides. According to data, Israeli military responses have resulted in extensive casualties in Gaza, prompting further escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant human tolls documented on both sides.
