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 said it had targeted members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas operating in a training compound... in the Ein el-Hilweh area. It asserted that the location was used by Hamas to plan and carry out attacks against Israel, but provided no evidence to support these claims. Hamas has not commented on the incident.
Israel has conducted regular air strikes in Lebanon since a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, mainly targeting the Iranian-backed group but also Hamas.
Besides those killed in the strike, the Lebanese health ministry reported at least four injuries. Images captured show emergency responders at the Ein el-Hilweh camp, known as the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, while footage revealed ambulances navigating the narrow streets as thick smoke ascended from the targeted area.
Initial reports indicate that the attack hit a busy area near a mosque, frequented during the night, where Palestinian factions are known to operate.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it took measures to minimize civilian casualties, employing precision munitions and conducting aerial observations.
This event is part of an ongoing escalation following Hamas's attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023, claiming numerous lives and hostages. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties in Gaza, while tensions with Hezbollah have intensified in recent months.
Israeli military actions since the conflict's escalation have reportedly caused considerable civilian fatalities and mass displacement in Lebanon, raising humanitarian concerns.
