September 16, 1982 · Beirut — Sabra and Shatila refugee camps Theater
September 16, 1982
From September 16 to 18, 1982, Lebanese Phalangist militiamen entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in Israeli-controlled West Beirut and massacred between 800 and 3,500 Palestinian and Lebanese Shia civilians — the exact death toll remains disputed. The killings were carried out in retaliation for the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel. Israeli forces under Ariel Sharon controlled the perimeter, provided illumination flares at night, and were present throughout; the Kahan Commission subsequently found Israel 'indirectly responsible.'
Commanders