Israel strike in Lebanon kills 3 journalists, claims one was Hezbollah member

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has killed three journalists, with Israel claiming that one of those targeted was a member of Hezbollah, even as Lebanese authorities and media organisations condemned the attack.

The strike took place in the Jezzine area, where the journalists were reportedly travelling in a vehicle while covering ongoing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon front. Among those killed were Ali Shoeib of Al-Manar TV and Fatima Ftouni of Al-Mayadeen, along with her brother Mohammed, a video journalist.

The Israeli military said the strike specifically targeted Shoeib, alleging that he was a Hezbollah intelligence operative operating under the guise of journalism. However, it did not provide evidence for the claim and did not address the deaths of the other two journalists.

Lebanese officials strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and protections afforded to journalists. The Lebanese government described the incident as a potential war crime and said it would raise the matter with international bodies.

The killings come amid an escalation in cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified alongside the broader conflict involving Iran and the United States. Israel has expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon in recent weeks, targeting what it says are Hezbollah-linked sites and operatives.

Media organisations and press freedom groups have raised alarm over the increasing number of journalists killed in conflict zones across the region. The Committee to Protect Journalists has reported a rising toll of media workers killed since the war began, highlighting the dangers faced by reporters covering frontline developments.

Footage from the aftermath showed the journalists’ vehicle destroyed, with press equipment damaged in the strike. Reports also indicated that medics responding to the incident were hit in subsequent attacks, further intensifying criticism from humanitarian organisations.

Israel has maintained that it targets only militant operatives and infrastructure, but critics argue that repeated strikes involving journalists and civilians raise serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.

The incident has added to mounting international concern over the safety of journalists in conflict zones, with calls growing for independent investigations and accountability.