Three Lebanese journalists were tragically killed in a targeted Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to their respective broadcasters. The deceased include Ali Shoeib, a correspondent for Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV, alongside Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni from Al Mayadeen. The strike reportedly hit the journalists' vehicle shortly before noon local time.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took responsibility for the attack, characterizing Shoeib as a 'terrorist' affiliated with Hezbollah's Radwan Force, alleging his involvement in operations against Israeli forces in the area. The IDF claimed he had used his journalistic position to disseminate propaganda for Hezbollah, a statement they did not extend to the other casualties.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a serious breach of international law targeting civilians engaged in journalism. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed this sentiment, denouncing the attack as a clear violation of protections afforded to journalists during conflicts.
This incident marks a troubling trend, as it is the second allegation of Israel deliberately targeting journalists in Lebanon since the escalating US-Israel conflict against Iran began. Earlier this month, another strike claimed the lives of an Al Manar presenter and his wife in Beirut, intensifying fears of an increasing disregard for media safety in the region.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, over 1,100 civilians have died due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than a million people. Observers note similarities in tactics employed in past Israeli operations, raising alarms over the safety of journalists, civilians, and humanitarian workers in the conflict-torn regions of Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took responsibility for the attack, characterizing Shoeib as a 'terrorist' affiliated with Hezbollah's Radwan Force, alleging his involvement in operations against Israeli forces in the area. The IDF claimed he had used his journalistic position to disseminate propaganda for Hezbollah, a statement they did not extend to the other casualties.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a serious breach of international law targeting civilians engaged in journalism. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed this sentiment, denouncing the attack as a clear violation of protections afforded to journalists during conflicts.
This incident marks a troubling trend, as it is the second allegation of Israel deliberately targeting journalists in Lebanon since the escalating US-Israel conflict against Iran began. Earlier this month, another strike claimed the lives of an Al Manar presenter and his wife in Beirut, intensifying fears of an increasing disregard for media safety in the region.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, over 1,100 civilians have died due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than a million people. Observers note similarities in tactics employed in past Israeli operations, raising alarms over the safety of journalists, civilians, and humanitarian workers in the conflict-torn regions of Lebanon.
