Journalist Killed, 6 Injured As Israel Attacks Hezbollah Along Lebanon Border
An Israeli shell landed in a crowd of international journalists covering border clashes in south Lebanon, killing a Reuters videographer and injuring six others.
An Israeli shell struck a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the Lebanon-Israel border in south Lebanon, resulting in the death of a Reuters videographer and leaving six other journalists injured, as reported by the Associated Press.
According to the report, an Associated Press photographer present at the scene witnessed the aftermath of the incident, with the lifeless body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and the wounded journalists, some of whom were swiftly transported to hospitals by ambulances. Disturbing images from the site depicted a charred car.
"We are deeply saddened to tell you that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," said the Reuters news agency in a statement. The agency further disclosed that Issam Abdallah was a member of a Reuters team stationed in southern Lebanon, responsible for providing a live broadcast feed. Reuters noted that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, sustained injuries during the shelling near the border area.
Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV reported that two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, were also among the wounded.
As of the time of this report, the Associated Press has chosen not to disclose the names of journalists from other outlets who were injured, pending official statements from the respective organisations.
"We are urgently seeking more information, working closely with authorities in the region, and offering support to Issam's family and colleagues," stated Reuters. "Our deepest condolences go out to those affected, and our thoughts are with their families during this tragic time".
The shelling occurred during a gunfight along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group.
Since the recent attack on southern Israel by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday, the border region between Lebanon and Israel has seen sporadic instances of violence.
Journalists from various parts of the world have been arriving in Lebanon, expressing concerns that heightened tensions may result in a larger conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Click here for live updates.