Israeli strike kills Lebanon Journalist Farah Omar and Cameraman Rabih Me’mari, confirms Al Mayadeen TV

An Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon has resulted in the death of three journalists, as reported by the Lebanese media. The incident occurred in the Tayr Harfa area, merely 1.6 kilometers from the Israeli frontier.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency confirmed the casualties on Tuesday, describing the incident as an “enemy bombing.” Al Mayadeen TV, a Lebanese channel, revealed that two of its staff members, Correspondent Farah Omar and Cameraman Rabih Me’mari, were among the victims. The third casualty was identified as a local journalist and contributor to the channel.

Al Mayadeen’s director, Ghassan bin Jiddo, asserted that the attack was a deliberate and direct strike, This event follows the Israeli government’s decision earlier this month to block access to Al Mayadeen’s website.

Israel had recently blacklisted Al Mayadeen TV, accusing it of engaging in “wartime efforts to harm [Israel’s] security interests and to serve the enemy’s goals.” Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi had initiated actions to block the channel’s websites, programming, and local offices.

Lebanon’s information minister has called for an investigation into the attack, marking the third assault on journalists in southern Lebanon since October 13. The Israeli military, in response, stated that it is “looking into the details” of the incident.

This incident adds to the grim toll on journalists in the region, with at least 50 reporters and media workers losing their lives during Israel’s 46-day war in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that the majority of these casualties were Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since October 7, the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border continues to escalate. The toll stands at 70 Hezbollah fighters, 13 Lebanese civilians, seven Israeli troops, and three Israeli civilians, marking the worst escalation since 2006. As tensions persist, the international community watches with growing concern, urging restraint and a renewed commitment to the protection of journalists in conflict zones.

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