The deaths boost the total number of individuals killed in Lebanon since the start of hostilities along the border to more than 80.
After Hamas's 7 October resistance attack against Israel's illegal occupation, violence near the border erupted. Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, have exchanged missile fire in escalating fighting for almost 45 days.
The incident occurred in the context of broader Israeli strikes in Lebanon that resulted in multiple casualties, including 2 innocent journalists and a Hamas member
Deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill eight people including two journalists. The reports indicate that the attacks targeted areas in Lebanon, resulting in the loss of lives, including journalists associated with Al-Mayadeen.
Al Mayadeen identified the assassinated journalists as Farah Omar, a correspondent, and Rabih Me'mari, a camera operator. Hussein Aqil was the third person killed. Al Mayadeen said that he was not working with the channel.
Najib Mikati, Lebanon's temporary prime minister, stated in a statement that the strike was an Israeli attempt to muzzle the media, adding that "Israeli crimes know no bounds."
The journalists were purposefully targeted, according to Ghassan bin Jiddo, director of Al-Mayadeen:
“„It was a direct attack, it was not by chance.- Ghassan bin Jiddo
The death of journalists in conflict zones raises concerns about the safety and protection of media personnel who are often covering events in challenging and dangerous environments. International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, emphasizes the protection of civilians, including journalists, during armed conflicts.
The circumstances surrounding the Israeli strikes and the specific targeting of journalists are critical aspects that should be thoroughly investigated. The international community often calls for transparent investigations into incidents that involve the harm or killing of civilians, including media professionals, to determine compliance with international law and to ensure accountability for any violations.
After meeting with his Belgian counterpart in Brussels, Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib stated:
“„Lebanon will lodge a complaint with the UN Security Council, and we demand the condemnation of this heinous crime.- Abdullah Bou Habib
Bou Habib voiced concern that "the Gaza fire will spread to the Middle East if there is not a concerted effort to extinguish it." An escalation in violence on Lebanon's southern border raises the possibility of confrontations escalating into a full-fledged conflict with unpredictable repercussions.
Deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed eight people, including two journalists. It is important to note that conflict reporting is a challenging and perilous endeavor, and the safety of journalists is a fundamental concern in maintaining press freedom and ensuring the public's right to information.
The incident involving Al-Mayadeen journalists underscores the need for a comprehensive examination of the events to ascertain the facts surrounding their deaths and to uphold principles of international law regarding the protection of civilians, including media workers, during armed conflicts.