Concerns raised as three journalists killed in fresh Israeli attack on southern Lebanon

An Israeli attack on southern Lebanon claimed the lives of three journalists, including two staff members of Al Mayadeen TV.

The victims were identified as camera operator Ghassan Najar and broadcast technician Mohammed Rida, according to Al Mayadeen.

Al-Manar TV, affiliated with Hezbollah, also mourned the loss of its camera operator, Wissam Qassim, who died in the same air raid in the town of Hasbaiyya.

“Al Mayadeen holds the Israeli occupation accountable for the attack on a known media office for a known media outlet,” Al Mayadeen TV said, following the Israeli strike on its office on the outskirts of Beirut’s southern suburbs.

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Reports say the Israeli army did not provide prior warning before the attack, which is believed to have deliberately targeted the journalists.

The incident highlights the risks faced by journalists covering conflicts in the region. The international community has condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of protecting media personnel and upholding freedom of the press.

Committee to Protect Journalists said in a report that: “In March 2024, an investigation by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon concluded that an Israeli tank targeted “clearly identifiable” journalists in violation of international law, according to Reuters’ review of the investigation, which has not been made public.

“Four additional investigations — by AFP, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reuters — all independently arrived at the same conclusion: that Israel conducted a deliberate attack on the journalists. A deliberate attack on civilians constitutes a war crime under international law.”