Deadly Israeli Airstrike Hits Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Tensions with Hezbollah

An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in the death of 13 individuals and left several others injured, marking the deadliest military strike in Lebanon since the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established last November. The strike targeted the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp, located on the outskirts of the coastal city of Sidon, with reports indicating a drone struck a vehicle parked near a mosque. The Israeli military claimed the operation was aimed at a Hamas training facility thought to be involved in planning attacks against Israel. However, Hamas has denied these allegations, calling them a fabrication, and instead asserted that the target was a playground, not a military installation. The backdrop to this escalation in violence is the ongoing conflict that reignited following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In response to the assault, Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israeli positions along the border. Israel retaliated with shelling and airstrikes within Lebanon. In late November 2024, after nearly two months of fierce conflict, a ceasefire was brokered by the United States. The agreement stipulated an immediate cessation of hostilities from Hezbollah’s side and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. However, the situation remains precarious. Israel continues to occupy five posts in Lebanon and has maintained a near-daily frequency of airstrikes, justifying these actions by citing Hezbollah's attempts to restore its military capabilities. Hezbollah's power has seen significant decline over the past year, but the group remains armed. Its deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has stated that Hezbollah will not disarm as long as Israeli attacks persist. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 270 deaths and approximately 850 injuries within Lebanon since the ceasefire went into effect. As conditions in the region continue to deteriorate and ceasefire agreements become increasingly tenuous, the humanitarian toll on Lebanese civilians and the broader implications for regional stability are cause for growing concern. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2