Air strike on Palestinian camp in Lebanon leaves 13 dead as tensions rise
An Israeli air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon has left thirteen people dead and several others injured, according to Lebanese authorities and state media. The incident marks the deadliest attack on Lebanese territory since a ceasefire was reached a year ago in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The strike took place on Tuesday in the Ein el Hilweh refugee camp, located near the coastal city of Sidon. The state run National News Agency reported that the attack was carried out by a drone and targeted a car parked in the courtyard of a mosque inside the camp. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed the number of casualties and noted that several wounded individuals were receiving medical treatment, although it did not provide further details on their conditions.
The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas training compound that it claimed was being used to prepare for an attack. Israeli officials stated that the site posed an immediate security threat, though no additional information was shared publicly. Lebanese officials have not responded to the Israeli explanation, and an independent confirmation of the claim was not available at the time of reporting.
Residents of the camp described scenes of panic as the blast echoed through densely populated areas. Ein el Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and is home to tens of thousands of people, many living in crowded buildings and narrow streets. Local humanitarian groups said the sudden explosion caused significant fear as families rushed to safety and emergency teams began clearing the area.
Medical workers reported a heavy flow of casualties in the minutes after the strike. Ambulances moved through the congested camp streets to transport victims to hospitals in Sidon. Doctors said some of the injured were in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise in the coming hours. Volunteers from community groups helped direct traffic, guide families and assist in early rescue efforts.
The attack has heightened tensions at a time when cross border incidents between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon have been more frequent. Analysts say that although the ceasefire has reduced the scale of fighting, both sides remain alert and the situation can deteriorate quickly. Lebanon’s government condemned previous strikes in its territory and has repeatedly warned that such actions threaten regional stability.
International observers expressed concern about the potential humanitarian impact, especially given the camp’s population density and limited resources. Aid organisations in Lebanon have called for immediate support for affected families and medical units working under pressure.
As investigations continue, residents of Ein el Hilweh are left grappling with loss and uncertainty. Many say they fear further escalation, while community leaders are urging calm and support for the families of the victims.
