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

Published October 17, 2023
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

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...