Lebanon PM Accuses Israel of War Crimes After Strike Kills Journalist

Minteesinot Niggusie

Lebanon’s prime minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes following an airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed a journalist and injured another during a fragile ceasefire. Prime minister Nawaf Salam said the targeting of media workers and alleged obstruction of rescue operations constituted violations of international law, adding that such incidents were no longer isolated.

The strike took place on Wednesday in the town of Tayri, where two journalists had taken shelter amid a series of attacks. Amal Khalil, a reporter for Al Akhbar, was killed while on assignment, according to the National News Agency. Lebanese authorities identified the injured journalist as freelance photojournalist Zeinab Faraj.

Officials said the building housing the journalists was hit during the strikes, which also caused additional casualties. Authorities further alleged that emergency responders faced gunfire while attempting to evacuate the wounded, with Red Cross teams transporting Faraj to hospital under what they described as hostile conditions.

The Israeli military confirmed that two journalists were injured but denied targeting media personnel or blocking rescue efforts. It said its forces had identified vehicles approaching from what it described as a Hezbollah-linked military site and responded after assessing a threat.

According to its account, one vehicle and a nearby building were struck after individuals fled the scene. The incident occurred days into a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, aimed at halting hostilities along the border.

International observers have called for an independent investigation into the incident.