Israeli Drone Strike Kills 13 in Lebanon’s Ein el-Hilweh Refugee Camp
Precision drone attack hits Palestinian camp in Sidon.
An Israeli drone-delivered missile struck a vehicle in the parking lot of a mosque inside Ein el-Hilweh, Lebanon’s largest and most volatile Palestinian refugee camp, on Tuesday afternoon, instantly killing 13 people and wounding more than 15 others. The explosion, which occurred shortly after midday local time near the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the outskirts of Sidon, sent a plume of black smoke over the densely populated camp and triggered panic among residents already living under chronic tension.
Lebanese Health Ministry officials confirmed the casualty figures in an evening statement, while the state-run National News Agency reported that the targeted car had only just arrived in the lot when it was hit. Armed Hamas gunmen swiftly sealed off all entrances to the strike zone, establishing checkpoints and turning back journalists, photographers, and even some medical personnel. Ambulances were permitted entry only after lengthy delays, and bodies were removed under armed escort amid fears of follow-up strikes.
The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged responsibility several hours later, asserting that the airstrike precisely eliminated a Hamas operational cell and training site embedded within the camp. Military spokespersons stated that intelligence indicated the vehicle and surrounding area were being used to prepare an imminent attack on Israeli territory, and claimed that multiple secondary detonations following the initial blast proved the presence of large quantities of explosives and weaponry.
Also Read: Israeli PM Calls West Bank Settler Riots “Handful of Extremists” Amid Al-Lubban Clashes
Hamas issued a furious condemnation, insisting the missile struck a civilian sports playground frequently used by children and youth from the camp. The group denied any military activity at the location, accused Israel of committing a “heinous massacre,” and warned that the blood of the victims “will not be shed in vain,” signaling potential retaliation.
This incident represents the single deadliest Israeli operation in Lebanon since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended the devastating 2024 war with Hezbollah one year ago. Lebanese authorities now report more than 270 fatalities and approximately 850 injuries from Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire across the country since the truce took effect, underscoring the persistent volatility along and beyond the border despite the formal cessation of hostilities.
Also Read: Netanyahu Rejects Statehood Path as Israel Pressures U.S. Ahead of UN Vote
