An Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon has resulted in the death of three journalists, as tensions escalate along the northern border. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the fatal “enemy bombing” occurred in the Tayr Harfa area, merely 1.6km from the Israeli frontier.
Among the victims, Al Mayadeen TV confirmed the loss of two of its staff members, correspondent Farah Omar and cameraman Rabih Me’mari. The third casualty, identified as a local journalist and contributor to the channel, further emphasizes the impact on media personnel.
Al Mayadeen’s director, Ghassan bin Jiddo, asserted that the attack was a direct and intentional act, linking it to Israel’s recent decision to block the channel’s website. “Another attack has targeted journalists in southern Lebanon, killing a reporter and a cameraman… The feeling here is that the Israeli army wants to silence the media and punish journalists,” reported Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr from southern Lebanon.
Israel had blacklisted Al Mayadeen TV a week prior, accusing it of undermining security interests. The Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, initiated measures to block the channel’s websites and programming, as well as shut down its local offices.
Lebanon’s information minister has called for an investigation into the attack, marking the third assault on journalists in southern Lebanon since October 13. While the Israeli military stated it is “looking into the details” of the incident, the toll of at least 50 journalists and media workers killed during Israel’s 46-day war in Gaza remains a grave concern, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The ongoing confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border have resulted in 70 Hezbollah fighters, 13 Lebanese civilians, seven Israeli troops, and three Israeli civilians losing their lives. This marks the most severe escalation since the conflict in 2006.
