1
Crisis in the Middle East: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon left one journalist wounded and another trapped under rubble on Wednesday, with rescuers temporarily prevented from reaching her by sustained Israeli fire, Lebanon’s health ministry, a senior military official and press officials said. Journalist Amal Khalil and freelance photographer Zeinab Faraj were covering developments near the town of al-Tayri when an Israeli strike hit the vehicle in front of them.
They ran into a nearby house, which was then also targeted by an Israeli attack, the Lebanese Health Ministry, senior Lebanese military officials and press officials said.
What happened to the journalists?
Lebanese rescuers were able to rescue Faraj, who had suffered a head wound, according to Elsy Moufarrej, head of Lebanon’s Association of Journalists. As rescuers returned to help Khalil, the Israeli military dropped a sound grenade, blocking their access to the damaged building, Moufarrej and the senior military official said.
The Health Ministry said the Israeli military “prevented the completion of the humanitarian mission by firing a sound grenade and live ammunition at the ambulance.” Rescuers were able to return to the scene about four hours after the initial attack, Moufarrej told Reuters. Khalil’s fate was not immediately clear.
What does Israel say?
The Israeli military said it identified two vehicles that left a military structure used by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and crossed the “front line of defense.” The term used by the Israeli military to refer to the demarcation of the zone in southern Lebanon that Israeli troops occupy.
It said the cars “drove toward the troops in a manner that posed an imminent threat to their safety” and that one of the vehicles and then a nearby building were hit. The Israeli military said it was not targeting journalists. It denied that it prevented rescue workers from reaching the area.
Were there other victims?
Lebanese state media reported that two people were killed in the first attack on the car. Reuters could not immediately confirm the identities of the two people killed. The Health Ministry said Israel’s military actions blocked access for ambulances.
Have journalists ever been targeted?
Three journalists were murdered in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon in March; The Israeli military claimed one of the reporters was the target. Press representatives repeatedly expressed concerns about the safety of journalists covering the conflict.
What is the general situation in Lebanon?
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,400 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel launched an offensive in response to Hezbollah’s attack on March 2. To protect northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah, which fired hundreds of rockets into Israel during the fighting, Israel has taken control of a belt of territory along the border where its troops are still stationed.
What is the status of the ceasefire?
Only after the ceasefire in Lebanon did Iran agree to further negotiations with the USA. But despite the shaky ceasefire, Israeli attacks continued. The ceasefire was further strained by Hezbollah’s use of attack drones against Israeli forces.
FAQs: Journalists’ strike
Q: What happened to the journalists?
A: Amal Khalil was trapped under rubble. Zeinab Faraj was rescued with a head wound. The rescuers were initially blocked by Israeli fire and a sound grenade.
Q: What does Israel say?
A: Israel said the cars had crossed its “front line of defense” and posed an immediate threat. It denied targeting journalists or blocking rescuers.
Q: Were other people killed?
A: Yes. Two people in the first vehicle hit were killed, Lebanese state media reported.
Q: Have journalists ever been targeted?
A: In March, an Israeli airstrike killed three journalists in southern Lebanon.
Q: How many people have died in Lebanon?
A: More than 2,400 people have been killed since Israel launched its offensive on March 2nd.
Q: What is Israel’s goal in southern Lebanon?
A: To create a buffer zone to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks.
Disclaimer: This information is based on input from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by relevant sources.
