BEIRUT: More than 120 individuals and groups on Wednesday called for a United Nations investigation into Israeli attacks on journalists in south Lebanon, where three journalists were killed last year.
In an appeal addressed to UN rights chief Volker Turk, concerns were raised regarding “the Israeli forces’ apparent deliberate targeting of journalists and media workers in Lebanon.” The letter urged for an investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the attacks and to hold those responsible accountable.
Last October, strikes in south Lebanon killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and wounded six others, including AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins. Another deadly incident occurred on November 21, resulting in the deaths of Farah Omar and Rabih Maamari from Al Mayadeen channel.
Signatories to the appeal included the Committee to Protect Journalists, local and regional rights groups, Lebanese lawmakers, and media outlets such as Al Jazeera, along with journalists Collins and Assi from AFP.
Israel’s War Crimes in South Lebanon
A separate letter sent to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay urged her office to advocate for accountability for the apparent war crimes committed by Israel in south Lebanon.
Israel’s army stated that the October strikes occurred in an “active combat zone” and were under review. Following the November strike, the Israeli military acknowledged the claim regarding journalists’ deaths and stated that the incident was under review as well.
Investigations by AFP in collaboration with Airwars and Reuters found evidence pointing towards Israeli involvement in the attacks, with Human Rights Watch labeling the strikes as “apparently deliberate attacks on civilians” and potential war crimes.
International responses to the incidents have been mixed, with France calling for clarity on the October strikes, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcoming Israel’s investigation into the matter as “important and appropriate.”
