Israeli Strikes Kill at Least 12 in Refugee Camps Across Lebanon
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
Israeli military strikes on Friday killed at least 12 people and injured dozens across Lebanon, marking a major breach of the 2024 ceasefire.
The attacks hit the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in the south and various locations in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
In Ein el-Hilweh, Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, an Israeli drone struck a building housing a food aid kitchen. While Israel claimed it targeted a “Hamas command center,” Hamas denied having military facilities there, stating the casualties were civilians.
The most lethal strike occurred in Riyaq, Bekaa Valley, where at least 10 people died and 30 were wounded. Israel asserted it was targeting Hezbollah command centers, and a Hezbollah source later confirmed a military leader was among the deceased.
Search-and-rescue teams worked through the rubble in Riyaq as the wounded were moved to local hospitals. The aerial bombardment caused extensive structural damage to residential areas, further displacing families in the already volatile region.
The UN reports that Israel has conducted over 10,000 attacks since the 2024 truce.
Consequently, Lebanon has filed a formal complaint with the UN Security Council, accusing Israel of persistent violations and blocking citizens from returning to border homes.
Tensions continue to escalate as Israel maintains an occupation of five specific Lebanese territories. Human rights organizations highlighted that over 100 civilians, including women and children, have been killed since the ceasefire was officially established.
