Lebanon Accuses Israel of Committing a 'War Crime' Against Journalists

Journalists Attacked in South Lebanon

Lebanon has leveled accusations against Israel, claiming that the latter committed a war crime. This follows an incident where a group of journalists in south Lebanon were attacked by Israeli warplanes. The air raid, which targeted a guesthouse or hotel in Hasbaya, about 50km south of Beirut and near the Syrian border, resulted in the death of three journalists.

Details of the Attack

According to BBC, the attack was executed on a guesthouse within a compound in Hasbaya. The compound was being used by more than a dozen journalists from at least seven media organizations. The courtyard of the compound contained cars clearly labeled with 'press'.

Victims of the Attack

The three journalists who lost their lives worked for Al-Manar TV and Al Mayadeen TV, both regional broadcasters. The broadcasters confirmed the deaths in statements, identifying the deceased as Ghassan Najjar, Mohammad Reda, and Wissam Qassem. While Israel did not immediately comment on the incident, it might seek to justify the killings given that Al-Manar is a Hezbollah-run news network, and Al Mayadeen is seen as pro-Iran.

Lebanon's Reaction

Lebanon’s Information Minister, Ziad Makary, has accused Israel of intentionally assassinating the journalists. He stated that the Israeli enemy waited for the journalists’ nighttime break to betray them in their sleep, terming this as a premeditated assassination and a war crime.

Survivors of the Attack

Other reporters, including those from MTV Lebanon, were present during the attack but managed to escape unharmed. An Al-Jadeed journalist described during a subsequent live broadcast from the location that all official parties were informed that the house was being used as a stay-house for journalists.

Aftermath of the Attack

An MTV Lebanon reporter, Youmna Fawwaz, detailed that ceilings had fallen in on them, and they were surrounded by rubble and dust, with the sound of fighter jets overhead. She further accused Israel of conducting assassinations to prevent the Lebanese correspondents from covering the fighting in the south.

Conflict Impact on Journalists

Since the start of the conflict after Oct.7, 2023, dozens of journalists have died, mostly in Gaza. Israel has particularly cracked down on Al Jazeera, expelling the Qatar-based network from Israel and the West Bank.

Bottom Line

This incident has sparked outrage and accusations of war crimes, highlighting the dangers that journalists face while covering conflicts. It raises questions about the protection of journalists and the freedom of the press in conflict zones. What are your thoughts on this incident? Share this article with your friends and discuss the implications of such incidents. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.