Israeli strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon kills at least 13
An Israeli drone strike on the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, Lebanon, on Tuesday killed at least 13 people, according to Lebanese officials.
November 18, 2025 - 08:43 PM ET • 2 min read
An Israeli drone strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed at least 13 people, according to reports from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The ministry confirmed the death toll and noted that at least four people were wounded in the incident, adding that ambulances were still transporting additional wounded individuals to nearby hospitals.
The attack took place in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp, situated on the outskirts of the coastal city of Sidon (Saida). The Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) specified that the strike involved an Israeli drone targeting a car located in the car park of a mosque within the camp boundaries. Ein el-Hilweh is recognized as the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health referred to the incident simply as an attack by the "Israeli enemy" on the Ain al-Hilweh camp.
The Israeli military confirmed responsibility for the strike, asserting that the target was a training compound used by the Palestinian armed group Hamas operating within the refugee camp.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the complex was utilized by Hamas elements for exercises and training intended to plan and execute terrorist attacks against Israeli troops and the State of Israel. The IDF further claimed that specific measures were adopted prior to the attack to mitigate potential harm to civilians in the densely populated area.
Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson, issued a statement confirming the action and reiterating Israel's policy regarding its northern border. "When we say we will not tolerate any threat on our northern border, this means all terrorist groups operating in the region," Adraee said. He emphasized that Israel would "continue to act forcefully against Hamas's attempts to establish a foothold in Lebanon and eliminate its elements."
The strike occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that had been established between the Israeli government and the Shiite militia Hezbollah nearly a year ago. Sources noted that Israel has continued military actions in the region, primarily targeting Hezbollah positions, but the strike on the Palestinian camp highlights ongoing tensions involving various armed groups operating in southern Lebanon.