An early Friday Israeli airstrike killed three journalists and injured others in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon. The deceased include Ghassan Najjar and Mohamed Reda from Al-Mayadeen, as well as Wissam Qassem from Hezbollah’s Al-Manar.
This airstrike marks the deadliest day for journalists during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not commented on the attack, typically denying that it targets journalists. Previous Israeli strikes in the region have killed five journalists, including Reuters’ Issam Abdallah.
The strike, which happened around 3 a.m., was the first to hit Hasbaya directly, following recent strikes on the town’s outskirts. Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary condemned the strike, calling it a “war crime.” At least 18 journalists from outlets like Sky News and Al-Jazeera were staying in the guesthouses that were hit.
Witnesses described hearing a low-flying aircraft followed by two missile strikes. Muhammad Farhat, a reporter for Al-Jadeed, managed to escape from the rubble. Ghassan bin Jiddo, Al-Mayadeen’s director, claimed the attack was intentional and held Israel responsible.
A day before, Israel had also targeted an Al-Mayadeen office in Beirut, killing one person and injuring five, including a child. The continued Israeli campaign in Lebanon has resulted in over 2,500 deaths and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people, escalating the humanitarian crisis.
On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike also killed three Lebanese soldiers evacuating the wounded from Yater. The U.S. has urged Israel to protect UN peacekeepers and Lebanese forces during operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
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