Missile Strikes in Southern Lebanon Claim Life of Reuters Journalist and Injure Others

A Reuters video journalist lost their life, and six additional journalists sustained injuries in southern Lebanon on Friday due to missile strikes originating from the direction of Israel. This information was conveyed by a Reuters videographer present at the scene.

The group of journalists, representing outlets like Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse, was conducting their work in the vicinity of Alma al-Shaab, near the Israeli border. This area has recently witnessed exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and a Hezbollah legislator attributed the incident to Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment. Israel’s U.N. representative, Gilad Erdan, remarked in a briefing on Friday that, “Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job. But you know, we’re in a state of war, things might happen.” He added that the country would conduct an investigation.

Reuters issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the death of Issam Abdallah, who was providing a live video feed for broadcasters when the tragedy occurred. The camera was focused on a hillside when a powerful explosion rocked the scene, shrouding the area in smoke, and cries of distress were audible.

The statement from Reuters read, “We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed. We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues.”

Additionally, two other Reuters journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, sustained injuries during the incident but were discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention.

Maher Nazeh conveyed that Reuters and two other news organizations were documenting missile launches originating from Israel when one of these missiles struck Issam Abdallah, who was seated near the rest of the group on a low stone wall. Shortly thereafter, another missile hit the group’s vehicle, engulfing it in flames.

While other news outlets, including the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, attributed the missiles to Israel, Reuters could not independently verify the source of the missiles.