Lebanon Accuses Israel of War Crime Over Journalist’s Death in Drone Strike

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed a journalist on Wednesday were deemed war crimes by Lebanon’s prime minister, Nawaf Salam. The strikes resulted in the death of Amal Khalil, 43, a journalist with Al-Akhbar newspaper, who bled to death under rubble for nearly four hours after Israeli forces’ gunfire prevented ambulances from reaching her.

The Union of Journalists stated that rescuers were also blocked from accessing the site where Khalil was trapped. Photojournalist Zeinab Faraj was wounded in the attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied preventing rescue teams and claimed they do not target journalists, aiming to protect their safety while maintaining troop security.

The IDF identified two vehicles that posed an immediate threat before attacking a building where the reporters were sheltering. Afterward, the IDF pursued Khalil and Faraj, allegedly targeting the Red Cross ambulance. The Lebanese Health Ministry called this a “blatant double violation,” obstructing rescue efforts and targeting ambulances.

Clayton Weimer of Reporters Without Borders contacted the Israeli army to allow ambulances through. Since October 7, at least 260 media workers have been killed by Israeli forces, mostly Palestinian journalists in Gaza. The IDF has not acknowledged Khalil’s death but described three Hezbollah-affiliated journalists as terrorists last month.

Khalil was warned of an “Israeli death threat” and told to leave the south of Lebanon, claiming she was threatened with her head being severed. On Thursday, mourners carried her coffin draped in a Lebanese flag through Baysariyah, her hometown. The killing coincides with Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors meeting in Washington D.C., discussing a potential extension of a 10-day ceasefire signed on April 16. Both Hezbollah and the IDF have accused each other of violating the truce.”