Israeli airstrikes targeted the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, southern Lebanon, on Tuesday, according to media reports. The airstrike specifically hit the home of Munir Maqdah, the commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Lebanon. However, Maqdah was not present during the attack.
This marks the first strike on the densely populated camp since cross-border hostilities escalated nearly a year ago. Ain al-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and houses thousands of displaced people.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the start of a ground operation in southern Lebanon. The military confirmed “limited and targeted raids” on Hezbollah positions near the border, which pose a “direct threat” to northern Israeli communities.
The Israeli Air Force and artillery are providing precision strikes in support of ground forces. The operation, named Northern Arrows, is set to continue in coordination with ongoing battles in Gaza and other fronts, according to the Israeli army.
The Israeli military emphasized that these actions have been approved by the political leadership and will proceed based on the evolving situation.
