An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of three journalists who were reporting on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to their respective TV stations. Al-Manar TV confirmed the passing of their correspondent Ali Shoeib, while Beirut-based Al Mayadeen TV reported that journalist Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed, a video journalist, were also killed in the strike in Jezzine. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of laws protecting journalists.
The Israeli military claimed that Shoeib, whom they targeted, was associated with Hezbollah intelligence, alleging his involvement in revealing Israeli soldiers’ locations and inciting against Israeli forces and civilians. Al-Manar TV did not directly address these accusations but praised Shoeib’s professionalism as a war correspondent. The incident mirrored past instances where the Israeli military had targeted Palestinian journalists in Gaza, accusing them of being disguised Hamas militants.
The recent deaths add to the toll of journalists and media workers killed in Lebanon this year, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting that freelance photojournalist Hussain Hamood was also killed in Nabatieh. Israel’s military actions in Lebanon have drawn international scrutiny, with concerns raised about potential war crimes. The strike on journalists follows previous Israeli attacks on Hezbollah-affiliated media outlets, including al-Manar’s headquarters and Al-Nour radio station.