Amal Khalil

Lebanon has accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists after an air strike in the south killed reporter Amal Khalil and wounded photographer Zeinab Faraj, escalating tensions days before critical ceasefire talks.

Officials say the pair were hit twice—first near their vehicle, then again while sheltering—raising fresh allegations of systematic attacks on media workers.

Strike Sparks War Crimes Allegations

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the incident as a “blatant war crime”, accusing Israel of pursuing journalists and obstructing rescue efforts. Lebanese authorities say a second strike hit the house where Khalil and Faraj had taken cover, killing Khalil, 43.

The Lebanese health ministry went further, alleging Israeli forces blocked a marked Red Cross ambulance with gunfire and stun grenades as it attempted to reach the wounded.

Israel Rejects Claims, Cites ‘Immediate Threat’

The Israel Defense Forces denied targeting journalists, saying it struck vehicles linked to a Hezbollah military site. One vehicle, it said, approached troops in a manner deemed an “immediate threat” after crossing a ceasefire line.

The IDF insists it acts to minimise harm to civilians and has rejected claims it prevented medical teams from accessing the scene.

Mounting Toll on Media Workers

The killing adds to a growing list of journalists killed in Lebanon during the conflict. Rights groups say repeated strikes on media personnel and rescue teams may constitute serious breaches of international law.

Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists both condemned the incident, citing evidence of repeated strikes and blocked medical access as deeply concerning.

Pressure Builds Ahead of Fragile Talks

The strike comes as US-backed negotiations seek to extend a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon is pushing for a month-long extension, alongside demands for Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction guarantees.

But with both sides accusing each other of violations, Wednesday’s attack risks derailing already fragile diplomacy—and deepening a conflict that has killed thousands and left civilians and journalists increasingly exposed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvn036evlo

They have killed hundreds of reporters already..how they continue to get away with blatant war crimes and

genocide is quite amazing.