An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon killed at least 13 people and injured several others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The strike targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, located near Sidon, which is home to many Palestinian refugees. The attack occurred on Tuesday, drawing condemnation from both local authorities and Palestinian groups.
The Israeli military stated that it hit a training compound used by Hamas militants in the camp. According to Israel, the compound was involved in planning attacks against Israel. The military claimed that militants operating in the area were being targeted in an effort to secure the region from further violence.
However, Hamas rejected Israel’s claims, calling them “fabrications.” A Hamas spokesperson said the targeted area was an open sports field used by local residents, not a military installation. The group strongly denied any military presence in the camp, which houses thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Israel has previously conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, often citing its ongoing security concerns about Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militants. Tensions have been high in the region since Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement last year, which mandated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.
The latest strike highlights the continuing instability along the Israel-Lebanon border. Local and international calls for peace have grown, but the situation remains tense as both sides accuse each other of escalating violence in the area.
