Arabic version: غارة إسرائيلية تودي بحياة ثلاثة صحفيين في لبنان

Three journalists and nine paramedics were killed in an Israeli strike on their clearly marked press vehicle in southern Lebanon on Saturday, as the US-Israel war on Iran intensified. The victims, Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed, both from Al Mayadeen, along with Ali Shuaib from Al-Manar, lost their lives on the Jezzine Road. The attack involved four precision missiles targeting the vehicle, according to reports from Al Mayadeen.

In addition to the journalists, nine paramedics were also reported killed in various attacks across southern Lebanon on the same day. The World Health Organization indicated that the violence has severely disrupted health services in the region, with numerous healthcare facilities forced to close or operate at reduced capacity.

The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, alleging that Shuaib was embedded within a Hezbollah intelligence unit and had been tracking Israeli troop positions. However, Al-Manar rejected this characterization, emphasizing Shuaib’s longstanding role as a war correspondent. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of international law, describing it as a blatant crime against journalists performing their duties.

The escalating violence has raised alarms among press freedom organizations, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting a record number of journalist deaths in 2025, with Israel being responsible for a significant portion. As the situation in southern Lebanon continues to deteriorate, journalists remain determined to report despite the increasing dangers they face.

According to Al Jazeera, the region has experienced intense bombardment, with reports of ongoing air strikes and military operations, leading to a dire humanitarian situation for both journalists and civilians.