Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Israeli forces have declared that a recent military operation targeting a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals identified as Hamas members. This strike occurred on Tuesday at the Ain al-Helweh camp, noted as the largest Palestinian refugee site in the nation.
Lebanese officials corroborated the casualty count of 13 without providing the identities or specifics regarding the deceased.
The Israeli military stated that the operation aimed at what it labeled as a Hamas training facility within the camp. Among the deceased was Jihad Saidawi, whom Israel accused of training operatives for assaults on its territory from Lebanese soil. The Israeli command emphasized this action was part of its broader strategy to thwart Hamas's influence in Lebanon.
In contrast, Hamas repudiated Israel's assertions, claiming the targeted location was merely a public sports field frequented by local youth. Hamas characterized the operation as a “massacre” and stated that many victims were young boys.
A local school confirmed that two of its students were included among those killed. Visual evidence circulated online displaying the identities of the 13 individuals named by Hamas as victims of the attack.
The Ain al-Helweh camp, situated near the coastal area of Sidon, is historically a densely populated locale rife with tensions among various factions. This strike followed the announcement of a ceasefire last November intended to quell months of confrontations involving Israel and factions associated with Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel has asserted its intention to persist in targeting what it perceives as Hamas' operations within Lebanon, accusing militant factions of exploiting populated civilian zones for cover. Meanwhile, residents of the camp are voicing demands for accountability and an inquiry into the rationale behind the strike in such a crowded area.
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