Israeli Airstrike Kills 13 in Lebanon Refugee Camp

Deadly Attack on Palestinian Refugee Camp

An Israeli airstrike targeted the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, killing at least 13 people according to Lebanese authorities. The attack occurred near the port city of Sidon, where emergency services rushed to the scene amid heavy smoke and destruction.

Military Justification and Denials

The Israeli military stated the strike was aimed at Hamas members 'operating in a training compound used to plan attacks against Israel'. However, Hamas officials immediately denied these claims, calling them 'fabrication and lies' and asserting the targeted site was actually an 'open sports field'. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they took measures to minimize civilian casualties, including using precision munitions and aerial surveillance.

Humanitarian Crisis in Ein el-Hilweh

Ein el-Hilweh is Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, housing approximately 60,000-70,000 displaced Palestinians in densely packed, improvised buildings. The camp has swelled to nearly 120,000 residents due to additional refugees from Syria since 2011. Established in 1948 by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the camp has historically been described as a 'zone of unlaw' because Lebanese security forces are prohibited from entering.

Regional Tensions Escalate

This attack represents a significant escalation in cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon. While an official ceasefire exists between Israel and Hezbollah, and between Israel and Hamas, Israel continues periodic airstrikes in Lebanon. 'This incident shows how fragile the current ceasefire arrangements really are,' noted a regional security analyst speaking anonymously. Hamas and Hezbollah maintain their alliance, with recent conferences showing continued coordination against Israel.

International Response and Casualty Details

Lebanese health authorities confirmed the death toll but did not distinguish between militants and civilians. Emergency response teams worked through narrow streets to evacuate casualties, with footage showing multiple ambulances transporting victims. The strike occurred outside a mosque in the crowded camp, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties in the densely populated area.

This incident continues the pattern of Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah escalated following Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. The ongoing violence has created a complex security situation along the Israel-Lebanon border, with displaced populations on both sides and continued diplomatic challenges.