Lebanon Condemns Killings of Journalists in Israeli Strike

Lebanon has condemned what officials call a grave violation of international norms after an Israeli strike killed three media workers in the country’s south. The incident has drawn global attention and raised fresh concerns about journalist killings in conflict zones. Authorities warn that reporters face increasing danger as they cover the ongoing war.

According to Lebanese officials, the strike hit the southern town of Jezzine on Saturday. Two journalists and a cameraman lost their lives in the attack.

Among the victims was Ali Shoeib, a well-known correspondent for Al Manar. Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen also died, along with her brother, who worked as a cameraman. Both media outlets confirmed the deaths of their staff.

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the strike. The military said it targeted Shoeib because of alleged ties to Hezbollah. It claimed he operated within the group while presenting himself as a journalist. It also accused him of providing information that could expose Israeli troop positions in southern Lebanon.

Rising tensions and civilian toll

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise. The conflict intensified in early March. Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, which triggered retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials report that more than 1,100 people have died since the fighting began. The rising toll reflects the growing human cost of the confrontation.

Joseph Aoun strongly criticised the attack. He described it as a blatant crime and stressed that international law protects journalists during armed conflict. Nawaf Salam also condemned the strike. He called it a serious breach of humanitarian law. Paul Morcos added that such actions amount to war crimes.

In addition, the killings have added to a growing list of journalist deaths linked to the conflict. Earlier this month, Mohammad Sherri died in a strike in central Beirut. Previous clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023 and 2024 also left several media workers dead or injured while reporting near the border.

Furthermore, international concern about journalist safety continues to grow. In October 2023, Issam Abdallah was killed while covering clashes near the Israeli border. Several others were injured in the same incident. Investigations later pointed to tank fire from the Israeli side.

At the same time, Saturday’s violence extended beyond media casualties. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that nine paramedics died in separate Israeli strikes while carrying out rescue missions in southern areas.

The victims included members of Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Committee and the Amal Movement Risala Scouts. Authorities say dozens of healthcare workers have died since the conflict began.

Moreover, additional air raids struck several southern towns. In Nabatiyeh, strikes damaged residential buildings and infrastructure. In another incident, a strike in Henniyeh killed seven people and injured several others.

As the fighting continues, the issue of journalist killings remains central to global debate. Calls for accountability are growing louder. At the same time, both Israel and Hezbollah signal that military operations will continue. This situation raises fears of further escalation. It also increases the risk to civilians and media workers across the region.