Israeli Strike Kills 13 Near Palestinian Camp in Lebanon

Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli strike near the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry has confirmed. The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent months, has also left at least four people injured, with emergency services struggling to navigate the narrow, crowded streets of the camp as smoke and debris rose from the site.

The Israeli military said it had targeted members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas who it claimed were “operating in a training compound in the Ein el-Hilweh area.” In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the location was used by Hamas to plan and carry out attacks against Israel, describing the strike as a “necessary security operation to protect civilians.” The military also said it had taken steps to minimise civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence verification prior to the attack.

However, Hamas vehemently rejected Israel’s claims, labelling the strike as “fabrication and lies.” In its statement, the group said it had “no military installations in Palestinian camps in Lebanon” and asserted that the area targeted was in fact an open sports field, routinely used by local residents for recreational activities. The group also condemned the attack as part of an ongoing campaign by Israel to intimidate Palestinians living outside the Gaza Strip.

Footage emerging from the camp shows ambulances rushing through congested streets, with first responders assisting the injured and attempting to clear the debris left by the airstrike. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with smoke billowing high above the dense settlement of homes and makeshift shelters that make up the refugee camp. Images on social media depicted emergency workers carrying victims on stretchers and local residents attempting to dig through rubble to find survivors.

Ein el-Hilweh is Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians who have lived there for generations following displacement during the Arab-Israeli conflict. Over the years, the camp has been a site of both humanitarian concern and political tension, with periodic clashes and military incidents occurring as armed groups operate in or around the area. The camp’s narrow alleyways and densely packed housing make it particularly vulnerable in military confrontations, amplifying the risk to civilians during airstrikes or other violent incidents.

The latest strike is part of a broader pattern of Israeli military operations in Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement that ended the intense conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group. While most previous strikes have primarily targeted Hezbollah, Israel has increasingly focused on Hamas operatives within Lebanon, claiming the group is using the country as a base for planning attacks against Israeli territory.

The attack comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region following the events of 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale assault on southern Israel from Gaza. The cross-border attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages, sparking a massive Israeli military response. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 69,000 Palestinians were killed in retaliatory strikes, a figure that underscores the devastating human cost of ongoing hostilities.

In Lebanon, the escalation led to direct confrontation between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Following the Hamas attack on Israel, Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, prompting a 13-month military campaign by Israel that included airstrikes and ground incursions into southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, the conflict resulted in the deaths of roughly 4,000 people in Lebanon, many of them civilians, and displaced more than 1.2 million residents. Israel reported losses of 80 soldiers and 47 civilians during the same period, reflecting the high human cost on both sides of the border.

Lebanese officials have expressed grave concern over the latest strike, calling on Israel to respect international law and avoid targeting civilians. The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed that most of the casualties were local residents and urged international observers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Hospitals in southern Lebanon are reported to be operating under extreme pressure, with medical personnel working around the clock to treat the injured while coping with shortages of supplies.

For residents of Ein el-Hilweh, the incident has further heightened fears and anxiety. Local families described the ongoing tension as a daily reality, with children and the elderly particularly vulnerable during such sudden military actions. Many residents have shared their frustration at being caught in a cycle of violence not of their making, with limited avenues for protection or evacuation in the densely packed camp.

Humanitarian organisations have also reacted to the strike, emphasising the urgent need for aid and support in the affected areas. Reports indicate that emergency food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter are required immediately to assist those displaced or injured. Some NGOs have called on both the Israeli and Lebanese authorities to ensure safe access for humanitarian workers, warning that delays could exacerbate the crisis.

Analysts say that the strike highlights the continuing instability in southern Lebanon, a region historically prone to military escalation due to its proximity to Israel and the presence of multiple armed groups. While Israel maintains that it is conducting targeted operations against militant organisations, the risk to civilian populations remains high due to the geography and density of settlements in areas like Ein el-Hilweh.

The international community has largely condemned the violence while urging dialogue to prevent further escalation. The United Nations has called for restraint, reminding all parties of their obligations under international law to protect civilians and minimise harm during military operations. Diplomatic sources suggest that further airstrikes in Lebanon could destabilise the fragile peace established after the protracted conflict with Hezbollah and risk drawing neighboring countries into renewed hostilities.

As the situation develops, local residents continue to cope with the immediate aftermath of the strike. Survivors recount scenes of panic and chaos, with families searching for missing loved ones amidst the debris. Hospitals and emergency services are working tirelessly to provide treatment, yet the sheer scale of the destruction poses challenges to rescue and recovery efforts.

This latest incident underscores the enduring volatility in the Israel-Lebanon border region and the ongoing vulnerability of Palestinian refugees in southern Lebanon. It also reflects the broader geopolitical tensions that continue to shape the Middle East, where historical grievances, political rivalries, and military conflicts intersect with the daily lives of ordinary civilians.

The Lebanese authorities have pledged to investigate the strike and provide full reports on casualties and damages. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups are mobilising resources to provide urgent relief, and international actors continue to call for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.

As the world watches, the strike near Ein el-Hilweh stands as a stark reminder of the human toll of ongoing conflicts in the region, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of military operations, and the cycle of violence shows little sign of abating.