Missile event in South, Ein el Hilweh area, Lebanon on Fri 20th February 2026

On 20 February 2026, an Israeli drone fired three missiles at a building formerly used by the Palestinian Joint Security Force in the Cinema alley of the 'Hateen' neighborhood in the Ein el Hilweh refugee camp (Sayda, South). The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that 'the attack was carried out by naval vessels,' without a public confirmation from the IDF. The strike caused material damage to the targeted structure and nearby buildings. Ambulances arrived at the scene and transferred several wounded individuals to hospitals in Sidon. Two members of Hamas movement were killed in the attack, while three other individuals (likely Palestinian civilians) were injured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the targeted site functioned as a command center used by the group to 'advance attacks on Israel.' In an official statement, the IDF added that Hamas operatives were using the facility to prepare attacks against Israeli troops in Lebanese territory, likely referring to the occupied hills in southern Lebanon. The strike reportedly occurred while members of the group were holding a meeting. Hamas dismissed Israel's claims as 'flimsy pretexts,' asserting that the attack resulted in civilian casualties.