- Amal Khalil, a journalist, was killed in an Israeli strike in Al-Tiri, south Lebanon, on April 22, while videographer Zeinab Faraj was wounded.
- The attack occurred just days after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hezbollah.
- Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and The Legal Agenda released investigations concluding the attack was an apparent war crime.
- Amnesty International has called for the strike to be investigated as a war crime.
- Khalil, a 42-year-old reporter for Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar, had been reporting from south Lebanon during the ongoing conflict.
- Since the conflict began on October 8, 2023, at least 22 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
- Amnesty's Heba Morayef stated that the impunity enjoyed by Israeli forces has allowed for continued unlawful air strikes on civilians.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have labeled the Israeli airstrike that killed journalist Amal Khalil as a potential war crime. The attack occurred on April 22 in Al-Tiri, shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was declared.1234
Khalil, a 42-year-old reporter for Al-Akhbar, and videographer Zeinab Faraj sought refuge in a building after an initial strike hit a vehicle ahead of them. Despite their civilian status, the building was subsequently targeted, leading to Khalil's death and Faraj's serious injuries.5
Amnesty International stated, “This attack must, as soon as possible, be the subject of an independent and impartial investigation as a war crime.” The organization emphasized that the Israeli army should have recognized the journalists as civilians, especially with drones monitoring the area.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted a vehicle linked to Hezbollah, asserting that it did not obstruct rescue efforts. However, investigations by various rights groups concluded that the strikes constituted deliberate attacks on civilians, violating international humanitarian law.
Since the conflict escalated on October 8, 2023, 22 journalists have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, highlighting the dangers faced by media personnel in conflict zones. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that over 4,333 people have died in Lebanon due to Israeli actions since March 2, 2023.6
As the situation continues to unfold, calls for accountability and justice for the victims of such attacks grow louder.
“The attack occurred in Al-Tiri on April 22, days after a ceasefire was announced, and involved three strikes targeting the journalists' vehicle and shelter. Human Rights Watch and The Legal Agenda also found the strikes constituted war crimes, with drones present overhead.”
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