Tragic Loss: Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Journalists in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of three journalists, including prominent correspondents from al-Manar and Al-Mayadeen TV. The Israeli military claims the strike targeted individuals allegedly linked to Hezbollah, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Lebanese officials have condemned the attack as a violation of laws protecting media personnel. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the total number of journalists killed in Lebanon this year now reaching five. The international community is urged to address the growing dangers faced by journalists in war-torn regions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 21:09 IST

Israeli Airstrike Targets Journalists in Southern Lebanon

Beirut: An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three journalists who were reporting on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to their respective news outlets.

Hezbollah's al-Manar TV reported that its veteran correspondent, Ali Shoeib, was killed during the strike. The Israeli military claimed that Shoeib was targeted due to allegations of him being a Hezbollah intelligence operative, although no evidence was provided to support this claim.

Additionally, Al-Mayadeen TV, based in Beirut, confirmed that reporter Fatima Ftouni and her brother, Mohammed, a video journalist, were also killed in the same airstrike in the Jezzine area. Ftouni had just completed a live report from southern Lebanon prior to the attack.

Lebanese officials condemned the airstrike, with President Joseph Aoun labeling it a "flagrant crime" that breaches laws designed to protect journalists.

Al-Manar described the incident as a targeted attack on journalists, mourning the loss of a prominent figure in resistance media. Shoeib had been a significant presence in southern Lebanon's reporting landscape for nearly thirty years.

The Israeli military accused Shoeib of systematically revealing the locations of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and claimed he had connections with Hezbollah militants, although they did not provide further details.

Al-Manar did not respond to these allegations but defended Shoeib's reputation as a credible journalist.

This incident echoes previous Israeli military claims against Palestinian journalists during its operations in Gaza, where they were accused of being militants disguised as reporters.

The Israeli military's statement did not acknowledge the deaths of Ftouni and her brother.

Since the resurgence of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, Israeli airstrikes have targeted various civilian sites associated with Hezbollah, including Al-Manar's headquarters and Al-Nour radio station.

This latest airstrike follows a recent attack in central Beirut that killed Mohammed Sherri, Al-Manar's political programs head, and his wife.

With these recent fatalities, the total number of journalists and media personnel killed in Lebanon this year has reached five.

The Committee to Protect Journalists also reported the death of freelance photojournalist Hussain Hamood, who had previously worked with Al-Manar TV, in Nabatiyeh.