UN Expresses Alarm Over Journalist Deaths in Israeli Strike on Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT: Top United Nations officials in Lebanon have voiced serious concerns following an Israeli strike that hit an apartment building in southern Lebanon, leading to the deaths of three journalists and injuries to three others. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing volatility in the region and the risks faced by media personnel covering conflicts. According to Emirates News Agency, the strike occurred in Hasbaya, Nabatiyeh, outside the operational area of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The building housed numerous journalists and media workers at the time of the attack, raising alarms over the safety of press members in conflict zones. Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "When journalists, protected under international humanitarian law, are targeted, so too are our fundamental rights to the freedom of information and expression." This sentiment was echoed by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Imran Riza, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, both of whom stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict. UNIFIL peacekeepers have also been affected by the ongoing hostilities, experiencing multiple incidents of direct and indirect fire on UN positions, which have put their safety at risk. Haq noted these developments during a regular press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. UNIFIL, established under a UN Security Council mandate, is responsible for monitoring the cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Its mission includes confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and assisting the Lebanese government in re-establishing authority in the region. The area under UNIFIL's purview extends from the "Blue Line," which separates Lebanon and Israel, to the Litani River. In recent incidents, UN personnel stationed at a permanent observation post near Dhayra, approximately 4 kilometres inside southern Lebanon, came under fire from Israeli Defence Forces soldiers on October 22. Additionally, on October 24, a UNIFIL position near Mays al-Jabal was damaged by indirect fire, and nearby airstrikes affected a UN vehicle and another position near Burj Qallawiyah. Haq reiterated the importance of safeguarding peacekeepers and urged for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. "All actors are reminded of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers," he stated, underscoring the readiness of the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL to support peace efforts in the region.