Israel strike in Lebanon kills three journalists near Jezzine

Three journalists were killed on Saturday in southern Lebanon after an Israeli strike hit a vehicle near Jezzine, Lebanese authorities and local media said. The deaths triggered official condemnation in Beirut, including a statement from the Lebanese government describing the incident as a “blatant war crime.”

The people killed were identified as Ali Shoeib, who worked for al-Manar television, and Fatima Ftouni and Mohammed Ftouni, who worked for al-Mayadeen. Lebanese officials and media outlets said the three were carrying out journalistic work at the time.

What Israel said, and what remains unverified

The Israeli military said Shoeib was the main target and described him as a Hezbollah “terrorist.” It claimed he belonged to an intelligence unit and was involved in reporting Israeli troop locations.

No evidence was provided in the statement cited in the source material, and there was no comment on the deaths of Fatima Ftouni and Mohammed Ftouni. That leaves key details unresolved, including the basis for the targeting decision and whether the other two journalists were also considered targets.

Where the strike happened and why location matters

The strike occurred near Jezzine, a district described as away from the immediate frontlines of the Israel–Hezbollah conflict. That geographic detail matters because it can shape how governments and international bodies assess risk to civilians and the conduct of hostilities.

Footage referenced in the source material reportedly showed multiple missiles hitting the vehicle. The report does not specify the munition type, the platform used, or whether any warning was issued.

Professional profiles and the broader pattern cited

Shoeib was described as having worked for al-Manar for nearly three decades. The source also said Ftouni had been reporting on the Israel–Hezbollah conflict from frontline areas.

Since October 13, 2023, the source material states that eight of the nine journalists killed by Israel in Lebanon worked for outlets affiliated with Hezbollah. The same material notes that international law treats journalists as civilians, regardless of political affiliation, and that targeting them could constitute a war crime.

Diplomatic steps signaled by Lebanon

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Information Minister Paul Morcos condemned the killings. Morcos said Lebanon would submit a list of Israeli attacks against healthcare workers and media personnel to the United Nations and the European Union.

Separately, Reporters Without Borders was cited as saying Israel has killed more than 220 journalists since 2023. The source material does not provide a breakdown by location, affiliation, or circumstances for that figure.