Israel Kills Three Lebanese Journalists in Jezzine, Warrants Issued in Cyprus
Key Takeaways
- Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three journalists covering the war.
- Victims: Ali Shoeib of Al-Manar and Fatima Ftouni and Mohamed Ftouni of Al-Mayadeen.
- Israel alleged a journalist was Hezbollah operative; Lebanon denounced killings as war crime; funerals held.
Three Journalists Killed
Israel's military killed three Lebanese journalists in a single strike in southern Lebanon.
The IDF said it targeted Ali Shoeib, accusing him of being a Hezbollah intelligence operative.
The strike also killed Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed Ftouni.
The Lebanese government condemned the attack as a blatant war crime.
Hundreds attended their funeral in Beirut.
Israel's Unfounded Spy Claim
The IDF described Shoeib as a terrorist who had operated under the guise of a journalist.
It provided no evidence for its claims.
Al-Manar described Shoeib as distinguished by his professional and credible reporting.
Critics saw Israel's strike as part of a pattern of targeting journalists.
Global Condemnation
Lebanese President Aoun called it a brazen crime.
“Al-Manar and Al-Mayadeen TV channels on Sunday bid a solemn and symbolic farewell to martyred correspondent Ali Shoeib, alongside martyred journalist Fatima Ftouni and her brother, martyred cameraman Mohammad Ftouni”
French Foreign Minister said it would be extremely serious if Israel had deliberately targeted journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists opened an investigation.
Iran's foreign minister called the strike a targeted assassination.
Retaliatory Strikes on Cyprus
Cyprus issued arrest warrants for three Israeli commanders and one US admiral.
Israel responded by bombarding Cyprus with missile strikes.
Lebanese authorities warned the strikes were dragging the region toward a deeper crisis.
Leaked Intelligence Contradicts Israel
Leaked British intelligence found no credible evidence of Shoeib engaging in intelligence activities.
Israeli political opposition demanded accountability.
45% of Americans opposed the strikes on Iran.
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