An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Friday claimed the lives of three journalists, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The UN refugee agency expressed alarm that Israeli strikes on a border crossing with Syria were hindering refugees fleeing the conflict.
The victims—Ghassan Najjar and Mohamed Reda from Al-Mayadeen, along with Wissam Qassem from Al-Manar—were reportedly at guesthouses in Hasbaya, an area not previously targeted, when the attack occurred around 3 AM. Several others sustained injuries in what marked the fifth incident of journalists being killed in similar airstrikes. Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary condemned the attack, calling it a “war crime.” At the time, at least 18 journalists from various outlets, including Sky News and Al-Jazeera, were present to cover the ongoing situation.
Muhammad Farhat, a reporter for Al-Jadeed, recounted the scene, saying, “We heard the airplane flying very low — that woke us up — followed by the sound of two missiles.” Footage showed overturned vehicles, some labeled “Press.”
Israel has not yet responded to the incident but generally denies targeting journalists. Additionally, Lebanon’s transport minister, Ali Hamieh, mentioned that the strike had rendered the Jousieh crossing non-functional, leaving the northern route as the only access point to Syria. The UN refugee agency noted that about 430,000 people have crossed into Syria since the escalation of hostilities, with Lebanon serving as a refuge for many fleeing the Syrian civil war.
In Gaza, Israeli drone strikes on Friday killed 12 people near the Shati refugee camp. Reports indicate that Israeli forces also detained hundreds during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, raising concerns about the safety of patients and staff amid ongoing military operations.
