Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the tragic deaths of three journalists. The attack targeted a guesthouse in the town of Hasbaiya, as confirmed by geolocated footage. Among the debris of the damaged building, a blue press helmet and a vest were visible, indicating the presence of media personnel at the site.
The journalists, who were working for Lebanon-based TV channels Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar, lost their lives in the airstrike. The Israeli military stated that they are currently investigating the reports surrounding the incident.
This unfortunate event adds to the toll of media casualties in the region, with the International Federation of Journalists highlighting that at least five journalists and media workers have been killed in southern Lebanon since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. Tragically, two of these fatalities occurred during the recent escalation of hostilities initiated by Israel last month.
