Beirut: Information Minister, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, held an urgent press conference at the ministry following the targeting of journalists as a result of Israeli attacks in the Jezzine area today, which he began by a minute of silence for the souls of the fallen martyrs.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Morcos stated, "We are meeting today as we have lost martyrs for Lebanon and martyrs of the press, as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, namely correspondent Fatima Ftouni, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni, and correspondent Ali Shuaib, as well as martyr Corporal Mohammad Tufaili, and a number of paramedics and citizens, George and his son Elie, and a number of Lebanese and Syrian citizens from different segments, especially farmers, and a few days ago, photographer Hussein Hammoud, who was also martyred, and others."
Morcos highlighted the importance of international conventions that protect civilians, particularly journalists. He referenced the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols, emphasizing Article 3 and Article 79 of the First Additional Protocol of 1977, which explicitly provide for the protection of journalists.
He continued to stress that these acts fall under the category of war crimes and reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to protecting civilians and journalists. He noted that no state or entity can claim exemption from the provisions of the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court in 1998.
Morcos revealed that the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, is preparing a complaint file to present to international forums, including the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council. The ministry has shared information with the Foreign Ministry about the targeting of journalists.
He further mentioned his engagements with international figures, including a recent meeting with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and an upcoming meeting with EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele. Morcos reiterated Lebanon's resolve to address these attacks legally and diplomatically.
The minister assured that he would continue to push for legal actions during the next Cabinet session, aligning with a previous Cabinet decision tasking the Ministry of Justice with exploring legal avenues to prosecute Israel. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of national unity as a response to the ongoing crisis.