Israeli strike on Lebanon kills thirteen people, IDF says compound being used by Hamas
An Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon has killed 13 people and wounded several others, the Lebanese Health Ministry says.
The Israeli military said that it struck militants who it said were operating in a training compound in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon on Tuesday.
The military said the compound has been used by the Palestinian movement Hamas to carry out attacks against Israel.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The compound was used by Hamas terrorists for training and exercises in order to plan and carry out terrorist attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel,” it said onX.
“Prior to the strike, several steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians.”
Hamas condemned the strike in a later statement.
“The claims and allegations of the Zionist occupation army that the targeted location is a “training compound belonging to the movement” are pure fabrication and lies, aimed at justifying its criminal aggression,” it said.
It said the strike targeted an open sports field used by residents of the camp, adding that there are no military establishments in refugee camps in Lebanon.
The Israeli military occupies five posts within Lebanon and frequently carries out airstrikes in the country’s south that it says are targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah or sometimes Hamas members.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire last year that required the Lebanese militant group not to have any weapons in the south and for Israeli forces to fully withdraw from Lebanon.
