Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon
In a tragic incident, three journalists lost their lives during an Israeli airstrike on a chalet complex in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon, early on Friday. The victims included Wissam Qassem, a cameraman for Al-Manar TV, Ghassan Najjar from Al-Mayadeen TV, and technician Mohammad Reda. Several other journalists were injured in the attack, which has been widely condemned as a violation of international law protecting media personnel.
The Israeli military action coincided with ongoing hostilities in the region, which have seen the targeting of not only journalists but also medical teams and military personnel. Just a day prior, three members of the Lebanese army were killed while assisting in the evacuation of wounded individuals in Bint Jbeil. This escalation has drawn sharp criticism from Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who labeled the airstrike a “war crime” and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document these incidents for international legal proceedings.
International Condemnation and Calls for Accountability
Lebanon's Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, expressed outrage over the attack, stating that it was a premeditated act against journalists who were simply doing their jobs. He emphasized the need for accountability and indicated that the Ministry of Information would collaborate with international organizations to document these violations. Dr. Hassan Falha, Director General of the Ministry of Information, also condemned the actions, stating that targeting journalists is not a new tactic for Israel, which has a history of similar offenses.
The sentiments were echoed by Lebanese journalists on the ground, who have faced increasing risks amid the ongoing conflict. Al-Ghad TV correspondent Vanessa Semaan, who was present during the raid, described the scene of destruction and expressed determination to continue reporting despite the dangers. She noted that journalists would not be silenced and would persist in exposing the realities of the conflict to the world.
Ongoing Threats to Journalists in Conflict Zones
The targeting of journalists in Lebanon is not an isolated incident. This recent airstrike marks the third such attack since the escalation of hostilities began in October 2023. Previous incidents include the killing of photographer Issam Abdullah from Reuters and attacks on Al-Mayadeen channel staff, underscoring the perilous environment for media professionals in conflict zones.
Bilal Ghazieh, a local journalist, highlighted the growing sense of danger that journalists face, questioning the effectiveness of international laws meant to protect them. He reiterated the commitment to continue reporting, despite the risks, asserting that the truth must be conveyed, regardless of the threats posed by military actions against journalists.
