The Lebanese Prime Minister condemned Israel after an airstrike in southern Lebanon killed female journalist Amal Khalil and seriously injured another reporter. He revealed that the attack deliberately targeted the house used as a shelter by the victims and obstructed an ambulance. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces denied the accusations, claiming they targeted Hezbollah.
Nawaf Salam, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, issued a statement accusing Israel of committing a "war crime" due to an airstrike in the village of Tyre in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, 22 Apr 2024 GMT+7. The attack resulted in the death and injury of journalists amid ongoing violent conflict despite a declared temporary ceasefire.
The incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Amal Khalil, a journalist from the Al-Akhbar newspaper, at the scene, and Zeinab Faraj, an independent photographer, was severely injured. Reports state they were attacked while trying to take shelter in a house after the vehicle in front was struck by a missile, killing two men.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health claimed that the Israel Defense Forces "pursued" the two journalists by shelling the house they were sheltering in. When the Lebanese Red Cross ambulance tried to provide aid, it was obstructed by Israeli forces using stun grenades and gunfire to prevent access to the injured.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied the accusations, stating they "did not target journalists" but attacked two vehicles that had left a building used by Hezbollah. The IDF claimed these vehicles tried to approach Israeli forces in a threatening manner, violating the ceasefire agreement. However, the IDF has not clarified Khalil's death in its latest reports.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed dissatisfaction with the incident, stating it constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law due to repeated attacks at the same location and obstruction of medical aid.
Last week, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that at least 100 medical personnel died due to Israeli attacks during the war, with over 120 attacks on ambulances and medical facilities recorded. Israeli attacks have also resulted in the deaths of seven journalists in Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities also reported at least 2,475 deaths from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the latest war began, with over 7,500 injured. These figures do not distinguish between civilians and military personnel and include at least 274 women and 177 children.
Last week, a meeting organized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought Lebanese and Israeli diplomats together for the first time in three decades. Following talks, both governments agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting 17 Apr 2024 GMT+7 to "allow sincere negotiations toward a security and lasting peace agreement," the U.S. State Department said. Before follow-up talks in Washington on 23 Apr 2024 GMT+7, the Lebanese President confirmed efforts to extend the ceasefire.
/sourceBBC