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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a major strike on Tuesday against what it described as a Hamas training compound in the Ain al-Hilweh area of southern Lebanon, killing 13 people and injuring four others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
The attack marks one of the deadliest cross-border incidents in recent months as tensions continue to rise between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The IDF said the strike targeted terrorists operating within a Hamas-controlled facility used for training and operational planning.
In a statement, the military said it remains committed to preventing Hamas from establishing a foothold in Lebanon, insisting it would “act forcefully against Hamas terrorists wherever they operate.”
According to the military, the compound was used to rehearse attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Intelligence officials told Ynet that the site had been under surveillance for an extended period, and the strike was executed at a moment when dozens of junior militants had gathered for training exercises.
Local media in Lebanon reported that the attack involved three projectiles, while hospitals in Sidon — the nearest major city — issued urgent calls for blood donations to treat the wounded. Emergency crews transported several victims from the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, where the strike occurred.
Hamas, however, denied Israel’s claims, stating it does not operate training camps in Lebanon. The group alleged that the IDF had instead hit a sports field used by teenage boys.
In a statement carried by N12 News, Hamas condemned the attack as “a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty” and accused Israel of attempting to drag the region into “further escalation and instability.”
The strike comes amid an uptick in IDF activity along the northern border. Last week, Israel’s 91st Division led a series of operations that included confiscating weapons, striking five terror sites, and killing three Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli officials have warned repeatedly that militant groups are expanding their presence and capabilities within Lebanon’s refugee camps and southern regions.
Ain al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, has long served as a flashpoint for clashes between Palestinian factions and Lebanese security forces. The area has also been linked to both Hamas and other armed groups seeking to increase their operational influence near Israel’s northern border.
Lebanese media and political leaders expressed concern that the latest strike could further destabilize the already volatile security environment. With Hamas denying any military activity in the region and Israel doubling down on its accusations, the incident has intensified debate over the extent of militant entrenchment in Lebanon.
As both sides exchange conflicting narratives, the international community is closely watching whether cross-border hostilities will continue to escalate, potentially drawing the region toward a broader conflict.