An Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon overnight has left at least 13 people dead and sparked international condemnation. The attack, which occurred in the city of Sidon, represents the deadliest strike on Lebanon since the ceasefire following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war [[2]], and raises fears of further escalation in the region amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. Initial reports indicate the target was a sports field, contradicting Israeli claims of a military target.
Beirut, Lebanon – Mazen Karim – Quds Press
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November 19, 2025 10:46 AM
A recent Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, southern Lebanon, has sparked widespread condemnation, with at least 13 people confirmed dead and numerous others injured. The attack, which occurred Tuesday night, is raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
The Palestinian Scholars Association strongly denounced the strike, describing it as a “horrific” act targeting innocent civilians and the Lebanese community. The group asserted that the attack constitutes a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a disregard for all humanitarian and religious values.
According to the association, this incident is not isolated but rather part of a continuing pattern of Israeli aggression against Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, defying international law. They accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilians as a matter of policy.
The association refuted Israeli claims that the targeted site was a “training complex,” stating that it was, in fact, a sports field frequently used by children from the camp. This, they argue, demonstrates the intentional and criminal nature of the occupation and its deliberate targeting of civilians.
The Palestinian Scholars Association has placed full responsibility for the deaths on Israel and called on the Lebanese government to take necessary political, legal, and diplomatic action to halt further aggression. They also urged international and human rights organizations to hold the perpetrators accountable and end the ongoing violations against children and civilians.
The association extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, affirming that the sacrifices of the innocent will not be in vain and that this aggression will only strengthen the Palestinian people’s resolve.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths of 13 individuals in the strike carried out by the Israeli military on the Ain al-Hilweh camp in the city of Sidon, southern Lebanon.
The ministry also reported that many others were injured, and ambulances continue to transport the wounded to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Palestinian sources within the camp reported to Quds Press that the airstrike hit a covered soccer field that was typically crowded at that time, significantly increasing the number of casualties and evoking memories of past massacres within the camps.
Sources within Hamas stated that the Israeli airstrike that targeted the Ain al-Hilweh camp Tuesday evening hit a covered “mini-football” field well-known to residents, which is usually crowded at this time. They denied Israel’s claims regarding the nature of the target.
The sources added to Quds Press that all of the victims were residents of the camp and that no prominent Hamas leader was targeted, emphasizing that what occurred was a complete Israeli massacre.
