3 Journalists Killed In Israeli Strike In Southern Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed three journalists, including a prominent correspondent for Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV, triggering strong condemnation from Lebanese authorities.

Among those killed was Ali Shoeib, a veteran war reporter for Al Manar, alongside Fatima Ftouni and her brother, a cameraman. The deaths were confirmed by both Al Manar and Al Mayadeen networks.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the strike, stating that Shoeib was targeted for allegedly operating within Hezbollah under the cover of journalism. According to the military, he had been involved in exposing positions of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

The incident comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after the group launched rockets on March 2. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Ali Khamenei during the early phase of a broader US-Israeli confrontation with Iran.

Since then, Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive across southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials say at least 1,189 people have been killed since the fighting began.

Lebanese leaders swiftly condemned the attack. President Joseph Aoun described it as a “blatant crime” and a violation of international protections for journalists. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,” while Information Minister Paul Morcos said the killings could be classified as war crimes.

Shoeib, one of Al Manar’s most recognized war correspondents, had spent decades covering Israeli military operations in Lebanon. His death follows another recent strike in central Beirut that killed Mohammad Sherri.

Journalists have increasingly been caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. During earlier hostilities between 2023 and 2024, at least five media workers were killed in southern Lebanon, highlighting growing concerns about the safety of reporters in the region.