The government of Lebanon has strongly criticised an Israeli airstrike in the south of the country that left three media workers dead, describing the incident as a serious breach of international protections for journalists in conflict zones.
Among those killed was Ali Shoeib, a senior correspondent with Al Manar. Also killed were Fatima Ftouni, a reporter with Al Mayadeen, and her brother, who worked as a cameraman. The strike occurred in the Jezzine area, according to security sources.
The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged targeting Shoeib, alleging he was affiliated with Hezbollah while operating as a journalist and that he had exposed the positions of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The claim was rejected by Lebanese officials and media organisations.
President Joseph Aoun denounced the attack as a blatant violation of international conventions that guarantee journalists’ safety during wartime. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Information Minister Paul Morcos also condemned the incident, saying the targeting of media personnel could amount to a war crime.
The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that have spread across southern Lebanon following rocket fire from the group earlier this month. Israeli forces have since intensified air raids and ground operations in areas near the border.
Lebanon’s health authorities say more than a thousand people have died since the fighting intensified, including dozens of paramedics and healthcare workers hit during rescue missions. On Saturday alone, nine emergency responders were reported killed in separate strikes in the south.
The Lebanese army also confirmed the death of one of its soldiers in an air raid on Deir Zahrani, while state media reported widespread bombardment of towns and villages, including Nabatiyeh and surrounding communities. Civilian casualties were also recorded in Henniyeh, where several Syrians and a Lebanese national were killed.
Hezbollah, in separate statements, said it had launched attacks on Israeli troop positions near Taybeh and Debel in response to the strikes.
Journalists have repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since clashes between Israel and Hezbollah reignited in recent years. Media groups have raised concerns about the increasing risks faced by reporters covering the conflict, particularly along the border regions.
