At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli strike near a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, the country's health ministry reports.
The Israeli military has stated that it targeted members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, claiming they were 'operating in a training compound... in the Ein el-Hilweh area'. However, the military has not provided evidence to support these claims, and Hamas has yet to comment.
Israel has frequently conducted airstrikes in Lebanon since a ceasefire was reached with Hezbollah, primarily targeting the Iran-backed group but also targeting Hamas.
In addition to those killed, at least four individuals have been reported injured as a result of the strike. Images depict emergency workers at the entrance of the Ein el-Hilweh camp, with footage showing ambulances battling through narrow streets amidst large plumes of smoke rising from the strike zone.
The initial reports suggest the strike hit an area outside a mosque that tends to be busy during nighttime. Palestinian factions are known to operate within this camp.
In its defense, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, such as utilizing precision munitions and conducting aerial observations for intelligence.
This incident comes in the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. In a significant military response, Israel has reportedly killed at least 69,169 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.
Furthermore, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified following attacks from the Lebanese group targeting Israeli positions in solidarity with Gaza’s residents.
The year has seen an escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, characterized by a vigorous Israeli bombing campaign and a ground invasion into southern Lebanon in October 2024. Preliminary Lebanese reports suggest that these Israel-led attacks resulted in around 4,000 fatalities in the region, predominantly civilians, alongside the displacement of over 1.2 million people.
In contrast, Israeli authorities claim that more than 80 soldiers and 47 civilians have been killed in the ongoing hostilities.
