An attack by Israeli forces this Saturday resulted in the death of three Lebanese journalists, including a correspondent linked to the Hezbollah group, when their vehicle was struck in southern Lebanon. According to military sources and the affected media outlets, the victims were identified as Al Shuaib, from Al Manar channel; Fatima Fatuni, from Al Mayadeen; and the latter's brother, who worked as a cameraman. The incident, which occurred in a high-conflict zone, prompted an immediate reaction from the Lebanese government, which denounced the systematic violation of guarantees for the exercise of journalism in war scenarios. Upon learning of the news, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the offensive and stated that the incident represented a 'manifest crime' against workers performing informational tasks. In an official statement, the head of state emphasized that the military action ignored the existing legal protections for civilian personnel. 'Once again, the Israeli attack violates the most basic norms of international law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of war by targeting journalists, who are ultimately civilians exercising their profession,' Aoun declared forcefully. The Lebanese presidency also emphasized that the attack on the Al Manar and Al Mayadeen teams could not be interpreted as collateral damage, but as a direct transgression of international protection agreements. For the head of state, the death of the three press professionals constituted an affront to the treaties that protect the security of journalists in times of armed conflict. 'This is a flagrant crime that violates all norms and treaties that protect the international security of journalists in times of war,' the communiqué added, disseminated through the official social media account. The death of the reporters Al Shuaib and Fatuni was confirmed by their respective employers, who confirmed that the impact on the vehicle occurred while they were carrying out their duties in the southern part of the country. The event deepened tension in the region, while the Lebanese government insisted that respect for the lives of civilians and the right to inform should have prevailed over military hostilities.
