Three journalists were killed on Saturday in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, drawing condemnation from Iran and concern from press watchdogs over the safety of media workers in conflict zones. One of the journalists killed was Ali Shuaib, a reporter with Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar television. The channel said Shuaib died after an Israeli strike targeted the vehicle he was travelling in, according to CNN.The Israeli military alleged that Shuaib was “a terrorist” operating under the “guise of a journalist” and accused him of exposing Israeli troop positions in southern Lebanon. Al Manar, however, described him as an “icon of resistance media.”Two other journalists, siblings Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni, were also killed in the strike, according to Al Mayadeen. Whereas the Israeli statement did not mention their deaths.Lebanon’s presidency condemned the attack as a “blatant crime,” stating, “Once again, the Israeli aggression is violating the most basic rules of international laws and international humanitarian law and the laws of war, by targeting press reporters, who are ultimately civilians performing a professional duty,” as quoted by CNN.Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday termed the killings a “targeted assassination” and a “flagrant violation of international law” in a statement on his official Telegram channel, according to AFP.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was investigating the incident, adding, “journalists are not legitimate targets, regardless of the outlet they work for.” It further said, “We have seen a disturbing pattern in this war and in the decades prior of Israel accusing journalists of being active combatants and terrorists without providing credible evidence.”Lebanon’s information minister Paul Morcos said the government would approach the UN security council over what he described as Israel’s “deliberate and blatant war crime against the media and the mission of journalism.” “We adhere to international agreements that prioritize positive distinction for journalists, ensuring their protection and neutrality in times of war,” he said.On-ground footage shared by Al Mayadeen showed the charred remains of the vehicle. Journalist Jamal Al-Gharabi, present at the site, said, “This is the car – a civilian car,” and held up a damaged vest marked “press,” adding, “This vest, this vest was supposed to protect my colleagues… Yes, this vest was supposed to protect them!” He further asked, “What can this vest do in the face of Israel’s aggression? Where are international laws that protect journalists and civilians?”The strike comes amid an escalating Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with tensions continuing to rise across the region, as the Iran war enters second month with no signs of abating.
