Israeli Airstrike in Southern Lebanon Kills Journalists, Al Mayadeen Mourns Losses

HASBAYYA: An Israeli aerial attack on a residential area in Hasbayya, southern Lebanon, resulted in the deaths and injuries of several journalists, cameramen, and technicians. The location, known to house press crews covering the ongoing conflict, became the site of tragedy as Al Mayadeen announced the loss of two of its members. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Lebanese Civil Defense reported that three journalists were killed in the Israeli airstrike on Hasbayya. Al Mayadeen confirmed that among the deceased were cameraman Ghassan Najjar and broadcast engineer Mohammad Reda. The attack has been described by Al Mayadeen as a deliberate assault on the freedom of the press. Ghassan Ben Jeddou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Mayadeen Media Network, condemned the attack, holding Israel fully responsible for what he termed a "war crime." He stated that the attack was a deliberate targeting of journalists, not just from Al Mayadeen but from other Arab channels as well. Ben Jeddou accuse d the occupation forces of deriving "pleasure in killing," particularly targeting journalists who reveal its actions. Despite the losses, Ben Jeddou vowed that Al Mayadeen would continue its operations and not be deterred by the aggression, which he emphasized was not exclusively against Al Mayadeen but all press crews stationed in the area. Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon, Fatima Ftouni, corroborated the claims, affirming that the strike hit a residential area occupied by journalists and media personnel who had been covering the conflict for several weeks. The targeted site in Hasbayya, now marked by destruction, highlights the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.