Reuters demands ‘swift’ Israeli probe into journalist’s death

Published
0
Reuters’ journalist Issam Abdallah takes a selfie picture while working in Maras, Turkey, February 11, 2023.—Reuters
Reuters’ journalist Issam Abdallah takes a selfie picture while working in Maras, Turkey, February 11, 2023.—Reuters

Reuters has called on Israel to conduct a quick and comprehensive investigation into the cross-border fire that killed one of its journalists and wounded other reporters in Lebanon last week.

Video journalist Issam Abdallah died and six other journalists were injured — including two from AFP — in firing near the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon on Friday.

The journalists believe they were hit by fire coming from the Israeli side of the border.

“I am reiterating my call to the Israeli authorities, who have said they are investigating, to conduct a swift, thorough and transparent probe into what happened,” Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday.

“By transparent, I mean an investigation with clear evidence and explanation, and I also reiterate my call to the Israeli Defence Forces for clarity regarding the terms of engagement in this conflict,” she added.

The Israeli-Lebanese border has been rocked by violence since Hamas fighters killed over 1,400 Israelis in its October 7 offensive on Israel, sparking retaliatory bombing of Gaza that has killed over 2,800 people there.

Clashes have left more than 10 people dead on the Lebanese side, including a Reuters journalist and two civilians. On the Israeli side, at least two people have been killed.

Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it was “looking into” the circumstances of the fatal strike that killed Abdallah, without taking responsibility.

The Lebanese army said in a statement that his death was caused by a rocket shell fired by Israel. Lebanon’s foreign ministry also blamed Israel, labelling the strike a “deliberate killing”.

“I also ask Lebanon, which has said that it has gathered evidence on the attack, and any other authority with information to provide it,” said Galloni.

“I urge all parties in this conflict to respect and work with all media to ensure the safety of journalists reporting in the region,” she added.

Galloni paid tribute to Abdallah, calling him an “experienced, talented and passionate journalist” who was “just doing his job” when he was killed.

AFP has urged both Israeli and Lebanese authorities to conduct “an in-depth investigation and provide well-documented, clear, and transparent answers” to the strike.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...