In a significant escalation of violence in the region, an Israeli airstrike on Monday targeted the residence of Munir al-Maqdah, a prominent leader of the Fatah movement, in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, Lebanon. While al-Maqdah survived the attack, his son, Hassan al-Maqdah, was tragically killed along with at least five others, and several more were injured in the strike.
The airstrike occurred in the early hours and was reportedly part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Palestinian militant leaders in Lebanon. Eyewitness accounts indicate that multiple missiles struck al-Maqdah’s home, resulting in extensive damage to nearby structures within the densely populated camp.
In addition to Hassan al-Maqdah’s death, local health officials reported that at least five other individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries. The exact identity of all casualties is still being confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Munir al-Maqdah is a brigadier general with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which is affiliated with Fatah. He has been a key figure in coordinating activities among Palestinian factions in Lebanon and has previously faced threats from Israeli forces due to his involvement in militant operations.
Israeli forces have conducted numerous airstrikes targeting suspected militant leaders across Lebanon, leading to rising casualties among both militants and civilians.
Fatah officials condemned the attack on al-Maqdah as an act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing Palestinian leadership in Lebanon. Tawfiq Tirawy, a member of Fatah’s central committee, stated that such actions demonstrate Israel’s intent to provoke further conflict.
Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israeli strikes and has increased its military posture along the southern border with Israel. The group’s leadership has expressed solidarity with Palestinian factions and condemned Israeli operations as violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
The ongoing violence has exacerbated humanitarian conditions within Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, where many residents already face dire living conditions. Human rights organizations have called for immediate investigations into civilian casualties resulting from these airstrikes.
