Modern Era · Middle East · War

1982

Sabra and Shatila massacre

September 16, 1982

Christian Phalangist militiamen entered two Palestinian refugee camps in West Beirut while Israeli forces held the perimeter, and over three days killed perhaps two thousand civilians. The atrocity triggered worldwide condemnation and the biggest antiwar protest in Israeli history. Ariel Sharon was found indirectly responsible and forced to resign as defense minister.