Three Lebanese journalists were killed in a targeted Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Saturday, their employers have announced.
Ali Shoeib, a reporter for the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV, died alongside reporter Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni from the channel Al Mayadeen. The missile reportedly struck the journalists' vehicle shortly before noon local time.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of Shoeib, labeling him a 'terrorist' linked to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, asserting he had acted as a journalist while engaging in hostile activities against Israeli forces.
The IDF claimed Shoeib worked to expose the locations of IDF soldiers and distributed Hezbollah propaganda materials, while the military did not comment on the deaths of the other two journalists.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun labeled the strike a 'brazen crime' that breached international law by intentionally targeting reporters. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed his sentiment, condemning the attack and calling it a clear violation of the protections afforded to journalists during wartime.
This marks the second allegation of Israel targeting journalists in Lebanon amid escalating tensions following the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Earlier in March, an Israeli strike in Beirut reportedly killed another presenter from Al Manar channel.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports over 1,100 civilians, including many children and paramedics, have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, contributing to a deepening humanitarian crisis with more than a million people displaced.
Concerns are mounting in Lebanon regarding Israel's tactics, with fears of deliberate targeting of civilians and journalists. The concerns resonate with prior accusations made against Israeli forces in Gaza.
Amidst rising tensions, Israel has intensified its military actions in the region, asserting that its operations aim to safeguard Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks rather than targeting civilians.
