Tragic Loss: Three Lebanese Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Sat Mar 28 2026 20:59:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a recent airstrike in southern Lebanon, three journalists, including a reported Hezbollah member, were tragically killed, bringing international outrage and calls for the protection of journalists in conflict zones.

Three Lebanese journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jezzine, southern Lebanon. The strike, which targeted their vehicle, has led to widespread condemnation from Lebanese officials who termed it a violation of international law. The Israeli Defense Forces stated the strike targeted a member of Hezbollah but did not confirm the deaths of the other two journalists. Ongoing conflict in the region raises concerns over the safety of reporters amidst escalating violence.

Three Lebanese journalists were killed in a targeted Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Saturday, their employers have said.

Ali Shoeib, a reporter for the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV, was killed in the town of Jezzine alongside reporter Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni from the channel Al Mayadeen, according to the stations.

The strike reportedly hit the journalists' car just before noon local time (10:00 GMT).

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had killed Shoeib, describing him as a terrorist from Iranian-backed Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force who had operated for years under the guise of a journalist.

The IDF claimed he had worked to expose the locations of IDF soldiers and had used his position to disseminate Hezbollah propaganda materials. The IDF did not comment on the deaths of Fatima or Mohamed Ftouni.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the strike a brazen crime and condemned it for violating the most basic rules of international law by targeting reporters, stating they are ultimately civilians performing a professional duty.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam likewise condemned the act as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a breach of the protection rules for journalists during conflicts.

This incident marks the second time Israel has been accused of targeting journalists in Lebanon since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began a month ago.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 1,100 civilians, including many children and paramedics, have died as a result of the ongoing conflict, exacerbating an already grave humanitarian crisis.

As fighting continues, many in Lebanon are increasingly alarmed by the tactics employed by Israel, reminiscent of those previously reported in Gaza, which include the deliberate targeting of civilians and journalists.