At least three journalists and several paramedics have been killed in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The journalists killed were identified as Fatima Ftouni and her brother, Mohammed Ftouni, both affiliated with Al Mayadeen, as well as Ali Shuaib of Al-Manar. Reports indicate they died after multiple missiles struck a clearly marked press vehicle along Jezzine Road. The attack, said to have involved four consecutive strikes, left no survivors, while other journalists at the scene sustained injuries.
Emergency responders who arrived shortly after the incident were also caught in the strikes. In separate attacks across southern Lebanon, ambulances and medical teams were reportedly targeted, raising serious concerns among humanitarian and health organisations.
The World Health Organization confirmed that several paramedics were killed and others injured in multiple attacks on healthcare operations in the region. According to the agency, the repeated strikes have severely disrupted medical services, forcing the closure of several hospitals and dozens of primary healthcare centres.
The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the strike that killed the journalists but alleged that one of the victims, Ali Shuaib, had ties to a Hezbollah intelligence unit and was tracking Israeli troop movements. His employer, Al-Manar, dismissed the claim, describing him as a veteran journalist with decades of experience covering conflict in Lebanon.
Both Al-Manar and Al Mayadeen rejected Israel’s justification, insisting that the victims were civilians carrying out their professional duties.
Lebanese authorities strongly condemned the attacks. President Joseph Aoun described the killings as a violation of international law and protections afforded to journalists during armed conflict. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also criticised the strikes, calling them a breach of international humanitarian law.
On the ground, journalists continue to operate despite the risks. Reporting from southern Lebanon, correspondents said many media workers remain determined to carry out their duties even as bombardments persist.
Health officials warned that the targeting of medical personnel has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation. Several healthcare facilities have been forced to shut down, while others struggle to function amid ongoing attacks.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll. Lebanese health authorities report over 1,100 deaths and more than 3,300 injuries since early March. Israeli ground forces are said to have advanced deeper into southern Lebanon, nearing the Litani River, while Hezbollah claims to have launched multiple retaliatory attacks.
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Zahrani reportedly killed a Lebanese soldier, further underscoring the widening scope of the conflict.
Press freedom groups have also raised alarm over the growing number of journalist deaths globally. Recent figures indicate a sharp rise in fatalities, with the current conflict contributing significantly to the trend.
Despite evacuation orders and ongoing bombardments, some residents remain in southern Lebanon, with observers describing the situation as increasingly dangerous and unpredictable.
