Israel claims the target was a Hamas-linked compound; Hamas denies, calling accusation ‘fabrication’
13 killed in Israeli strike on Lebanon’s Sidon
At least 13 people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday after an Israeli airstrike hit the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Officials said the strike targeted the vicinity of the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, one of the country’s most densely populated areas.
Israel’s Claim
The Israeli military said its forces struck militants operating inside a training compound allegedly used by Hamas to coordinate and carry out attacks against Israel.
According to the military, the site was part of an established Hamas presence in southern Lebanon, despite last year’s ceasefire agreement that barred armed activity in the area.
Hamas Rejects Allegation
Hamas condemned the strike, calling Israel’s justification “pure fabrication and lies.”
The group said the location hit was an open sports field regularly used by camp residents and insisted that no military facilities exist inside Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
Regional Context
Israel maintains several positions inside Lebanon and has stepped up aerial operations in recent months, claiming to target members of Hezbollah or, in some cases, Hamas.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah last year required the withdrawal of Israeli forces and prohibited Hezbollah from maintaining weaponry in the south—terms both sides have accused each other of violating.
Accountability Questions over Civilian Safety
The strike has reignited criticism over Israel’s recurring attacks on heavily populated civilian areas. Analysts argue that repeatedly targeting locations near refugee camps undermines international humanitarian law and raises concerns over disregard for civilian life. Critics say that Israel must be held accountable for operations resulting in civilian casualties, especially when conflicting narratives emerge about the nature of the target. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations to determine whether the strike violated wartime conduct and to ensure transparency in future military actions.