A powerful Israeli airstrike on the overcrowded Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon has left at least 13 people dead, according to updated figures from regional media outlets. The attack, which took place Tuesday near the coastal city of Sidon, has intensified concerns about the growing volatility along the Israel-Lebanon frontier.
Lebanese health authorities initially confirmed 11 fatalities, but subsequent updates from multiple international broadcasters reported a higher toll. Several of those killed are believed to be civilians, as the camp is one of the most densely populated Palestinian refugee areas in the country.
The strike is being regarded as one of the most severe incidents in Lebanon outside the immediate border zones in recent months, heightening fears of broader escalation between Israel and Hezbollah forces. The Israeli military has not issued a public comment on the operation.
Ain al-Hilweh, long known for its crowded living conditions and fragile security environment, was shaken by the force of the blast, leaving emergency crews struggling to navigate narrow alleyways to reach the injured. Local hospitals reported receiving numerous casualties throughout the evening.
Regional observers warn that this attack could further inflame tensions at a time when clashes along the border have already intensified. International organizations have urged restraint and called for the protection of civilian populations in conflict areas.
As investigations continue and humanitarian groups assess the damage, residents of the camp face yet another wave of uncertainty in an already volatile environment.
