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May 20, 2026 – UK/Finland/Lebanon –
The United Kingdom and Finland have jointly condemned attacks on journalists in Lebanon, calling the killings and injuries of media workers “unacceptable” amid escalating violence linked to clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a statement issued as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the two countries criticized attacks targeting journalists and media personnel operating in Lebanon, specifically referencing the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in an Israeli strike on April 22. The statement emphasized that journalists play a critical role in documenting war and informing the international community about humanitarian conditions in conflict zones.
“Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war,” the joint statement said, adding that violence directed at reporters and media workers must stop. Britain and Finland urged Israeli authorities and all parties involved in the conflict to ensure journalists in Lebanon can work “freely and safely.”
The condemnation followed the death of Amal Khalil, a correspondent for the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, who was killed while covering Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Reports said Khalil and freelance photojournalist Zeinab Faraj sought shelter inside a building after an initial strike hit a nearby vehicle. The building was later struck, killing Khalil and injuring Faraj.
Lebanese press organizations stated that at least 27 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2026, with many others injured. Media groups and international rights organizations have raised concerns about growing dangers facing journalists covering the conflict.
The attacks on journalists have intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and the broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups. Human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have repeatedly warned that journalists in Lebanon and Gaza face increasingly dangerous conditions while attempting to report on military operations and humanitarian crises.
Israel has previously stated that its military operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and militants rather than civilians or journalists. However, press freedom organizations and Lebanese authorities have accused Israeli forces of failing to adequately protect media workers operating in clearly identified press areas.
The joint statement by Britain and Finland added to growing international criticism over the treatment of journalists in the region. Governments, media organizations, and advocacy groups continue calling for stronger protections for reporters covering armed conflicts and for independent investigations into attacks involving journalists in Lebanon.
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