LEBANON PM ACCUSES ISRAEL OF WAR CRIMES AFTER AIRSTRIKE KILLS JOURNALIST

LEBANON PM ACCUSES ISRAEL OF WAR CRIMES AFTER AIRSTRIKE KILLS JOURNALIST Lebanon’s Prime Minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes following an airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed a journalist and seriously wounded another, escalating tensions amid the ongoing regional conflict. According to officials, the strike targeted an area in southern Lebanon where media personnel were present covering developments linked to cross border hostilities between Israeli forces and armed groups operating in the region. The Lebanese government condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate assault on members of the press and a violation of international humanitarian law protecting journalists during armed conflicts. In a strongly worded statement, the Prime Minister said the incident represented “a grave breach of international law,” insisting that journalists must never be treated as military targets. Authorities in Beirut called on the international community and global human rights organisations to investigate the strike and hold those responsible accountable. Lebanon’s Information Ministry confirmed that one journalist died from injuries sustained during the air raid, while another media worker remains in critical condition receiving medical treatment. The Israeli military has maintained that its operations are aimed at militant targets, particularly positions linked to Hezbollah fighters along the Israel Lebanon border. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that strikes are conducted in response to security threats and rocket attacks launched toward Israeli territory. However, Lebanese officials argue that repeated strikes on civilian areas and media workers demonstrate a pattern that could constitute war crimes under international law. The incident comes amid heightened military exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of a broader regional escalation. International observers have warned that increasing civilian casualties and attacks affecting journalists risk further inflaming tensions across the Middle East.

Press freedom organisations have also condemned the attack, reiterating that journalists operating in conflict zones are protected under international conventions and must be safeguarded regardless of political or military circumstances.

Calls are growing for an independent international investigation as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further deterioration of security in southern Lebanon.