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October 14, 2024 – Lebanon/Israel –
Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed while reporting on cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Abdallah, 37, and six other journalists from Reuters, AFP, and Al‑Jazeera were identified as press—wearing “PRESS” helmets and jackets—when they came under direct fire from Israeli tank shells.
Investigations by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch concluded that Abdallah’s death resulted from a deliberate attack on journalists. UNIFIL found no cross-border exchange of fire before the strike, indicating clear targeting; RSF noted the strikes, fired just 30 seconds apart from an Israeli tank position 1.3 km away, were “clearly precise”.
The attack also critically wounded AFP photographer Christina Assi—who later had a leg amputated—and video journalist Dylan Collins from AFP. Al‑Jazeera’s camera crew vehicle was also hit.
One year later, on October 13, 2024, Lebanese journalists, activists, and civil society groups rallied to demand justice. Demonstrators at Lebanon’s Press Syndicate headquarters held images of Abdallah and survivors like Assi. Legal Agenda and rights organization Maharat demanded international legal action under treaties protecting journalists. Journalist Salman Andary wrote, “Justice for Issam and all the victims of this crime”.
Lebanese state media also pressed the case, stressing that “two strikes in quick succession … killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah” and calling for accountability. Barron’s and Arab News noted Israel’s denial of targeting civilians, attributing the incident to the fog of war.
International watchdogs have echoed demands for accountability. Amnesty called for a war‑crime investigation, affirming that attacks on identifiable journalists violate international humanitarian law
Reference –
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575164/%7B%7B
https://www.newarab.com/news/lebanese-demand-justice-journalist-killed-israeli-fire
