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Lebanon – In a tragic incident in southern Lebanon, a Reuters video journalist lost his life, and several other journalists were injured when missiles, reportedly fired from the direction of Israel, struck them. Reports reaching The Chenab Times indicate that the incident occurred near Alma al-Shaab, a region close to the Israel-Lebanon border, where tensions have escalated due to ongoing border clashes between the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
The group of journalists, which included professionals from Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, were on assignment, covering the border clashes when the attack took place. The Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and a Hezbollah lawmaker, swiftly attributed the incident to Israel.
In response to the allegations, Israel’s U.N. envoy, Gilad Erdan, acknowledged the severity of the incident and expressed regret. He stated, “Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job. But you know, we’re in a state of war, things might happen.” He further committed that the country would conduct an investigation into the matter.
Issam Abdallah, the Reuters videographer who lost his life, was providing a live video signal for broadcasters when the attack occurred. The camera was focused on a hillside, and a loud explosion shook the frame, filling the air with smoke and screams. Reuters released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague and highlighted their efforts to gather more information, collaborate with regional authorities, and support Abdallah’s family and colleagues.
Two other Reuters journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the incident but were released from the hospital after receiving medical care. Maher Nazeh, an eyewitness to the incident, mentioned that they were filming missile fire from the direction of Israel when Abdallah was hit. Moments later, another missile struck the group’s car, causing it to catch fire.
While multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, pointed fingers at Israel for the attack, Reuters did not definitively establish the source of the missiles.
Agence France-Presse reported that two of its journalists were wounded in the incident, and Al Jazeera, a Qatari-funded broadcaster, also confirmed injuries to two of its journalists, emphasizing that they were clearly identifiable as members of the press. Al Jazeera laid blame on Israel, urging accountability for “this criminal act.”
The village of Alma Al-Shaab has been a hotspot for recurring clashes, particularly following the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, an organization with close ties to Hezbollah.
In an emotional interview with Reuters, Fatima Kanso, Issam Abdallah’s mother, held Israel responsible for her son’s tragic death. She emphasized that they were all wearing journalistic gear, and the word ‘press’ was prominently visible. The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to her statements.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a peacekeeping unit responsible for patrolling the Israel-Lebanon border, expressed its sadness over the incident and called for an end to the hostilities. They cautioned against the potential escalation of the conflict and urged for an immediate halt to the violence.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
