Three journalists killed in Israeli airstrike, Human Rights Watch calls it a “deliberate attack” and possible war crime.
At a Glance
- Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of an apparent war crime in Lebanon
- Three journalists killed, four injured in airstrike on October 25
- U.S.-made guided bomb used in the attack on a tourist complex
- Israeli army claims target was Hezbollah militants, strike “under review”
- HRW suggests attack was deliberate, no evidence of military activity found
Deadly Airstrike Raises Concerns of Targeting Journalists
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of three journalists and injuries to four others, prompting Human Rights Watch (HRW) to label the attack as an “apparent war crime.” The incident, which occurred on October 25 in the predominantly Druze town of Hasbaya, has raised serious questions about the targeting of media personnel in conflict zones and the use of U.S.-manufactured weapons in such attacks.
The airstrike targeted a tourist complex where journalists were staying, using a bomb equipped with a U.S.-produced Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. This precision-guided weapon system, developed by American companies Boeing and Woodard, raises concerns about the responsibility of U.S. manufacturers in potential war crimes.
Human Rights Watch investigation finds Oct 25 Israeli airstrike which killed 3 journalists in South #Lebanon was deliberate attack on civilians & an apparent war crime. @HRW says US govt should immediately suspend weapons transfers to #Israel.https://t.co/hP8mGaJbNk
— Leila Molana-Allen (@Leila_MA) November 25, 2024
HRW Investigation Challenges Israeli Claims
The Israeli army has stated that the strike was aimed at Hezbollah militants and is currently “under review.” However, HRW’s investigation paints a different picture. The human rights organization suggests that the attack was likely deliberate against civilians, noting that the Israeli military should have been aware of the journalists’ presence in the area.
HRW said it found no evidence of military activity in the vicinity at the time of the attack. This apparent lack of military presence contradicts the Israeli army’s claim and strengthens the argument that the strike may have deliberately targeted civilians, specifically journalists.
A US-produced JDAM was used on a 500lb bomb in the attack. @hrw says US officials may be complicit in war crimes due to weapons transfers. “#Israel’s use of US arms to unlawfully attack & kill journalists away from any military target is a terrible mark on the US as well as… https://t.co/XrDAJIrp7z
— Leila Molana-Allen (@Leila_MA) November 25, 2024
Implications for Press Freedom and Journalist Safety
The attack resulted in the deaths of journalists from Al-Mayadeen and Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television networks. While HRW verified images of one journalist’s coffin wrapped in a Hezbollah flag, the group denied his military involvement. This incident is not isolated, as it follows the killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and other media personnel by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
The deaths of journalists raise concerns about press freedom and the safety of media workers in conflict zones.
U.S. Weapon Manufacturers’ Role in Question
The use of U.S.-manufactured weapons in this attack raises questions about the responsibility of American companies in potential war crimes. HRW’s attempts to reach out to Boeing and Woodard, the manufacturers of components found at the strike site, have gone unanswered.
As the international community grapples with the consequences of this attack, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of protecting journalists and civilian lives in conflict zones.
