Israel Bombs Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon, Killing 5 and Targeting Militants
October 3, 2024Israel has intensified its military operations, recently bombing the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh in Lebanon, which is part of a broader campaign against Hezbollah and armed Palestinian factions.
The bombing occurred overnight on a Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and marking the first attack on the camp during the current conflict.
The strike specifically targeted the home of Munir al-Maqdah, a brigadier general in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, who survived the attack, although his son was reported killed.
Conditions within the camp are dire, characterized by overcrowding, a lack of essential services, and high poverty rates that affect approximately 80% of its population.
Ein el-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, housing over 130,000 residents, and has a historical connection to various armed groups.
Recent clashes among Palestinian factions have led to numerous casualties and significant damage to the camp's infrastructure, exacerbating the already critical living conditions.
In the last two weeks, more than 1,000 individuals have been killed due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.
Experts suggest that the attack on Ein el-Hilweh was aimed at neutralizing militant factions that are perceived as security threats to Israel.
Analysts caution that a full-scale Israeli ground offensive could further deteriorate the situation for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
In addition to Ein el-Hilweh, other areas in Lebanon have also been targeted by Israeli strikes, including a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The camp was established in 1948 for Palestinians displaced by the creation of Israel and has endured multiple Israeli air strikes throughout its history.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source
Al Jazeera • Oct 1, 2024
Why did Israel attack Lebanon’s biggest Palestinian refugee camp?