Lebanon’s permanent mission to the United Nations and international organizations, on Friday, demanded accountability for Israel’s targeting of journalists in southern Lebanon.
This plea was communicated through official letters to Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
The letters highlighted the tragic incident where Lebanese journalist Essam Abdelal was martyred and other journalists were injured during Israeli assaults on southern Lebanon.
The letters shed light on the atrocious nature of this crime, emphasizing its violation of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
They urged high-level officials to bring international attention to these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The letters also noted Israel’s recent intensification of its inhumane siege on Gaza and increased military operations in Gaza and along the Lebanese border, leaving behind a series of severe human rights violations and war crimes.
On October 13, Israeli occupation forces directly targeted journalist crews in the Alma Al-Shaab area in southern Lebanon, leading to the martyrdom of Lebanese Reuters journalist Essam Abdullah and injuries to his colleagues.
The media crews were targeted despite being at a safe distance from the front lines and ongoing operations or military installations.
The journalists were clearly identified as press and adhered to all safety protocols, including wearing protective vests and helmets.
The details provided in the letters indicate that the targeting of the journalistic crews by Israel was deliberate, devoid of any military justification, and represented a flagrant use of violence against journalists seeking to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression for the public good.
On October 13, journalist Essam Abdullah of Reuters was killed and seven other journalists were injured in the town of Alma Al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, while covering events in the area, due to Israeli forces shelling their vehicle.
