Two Journalists from Al-Mayadeen Killed in Israeli Attack on Southern Lebanon

Lebanon's state media and the Al-Mayadeen network reported that in an Israeli attack on southern Lebanon on Tuesday, two journalists working for the Al-Mayadeen television network and one civilian were killed. Reuters quoted Al-Mayadeen as stating that the attack near the town of Tayr Harfa close to the Israeli border deliberately targeted the television staff, as the network is known for its support of Palestinians and the military coalition supportive of the Islamic Republic. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati also blamed Israel, stating in a statement that this attack was an attempt by Israel to silence the media. The Lebanese state news agency reported that a second Israeli attack on a vehicle about 11 kilometers from the border near the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon left four dead. Following the October 15 Hamas attack, an ally of Hezbollah, on Israel, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by the Islamic Republic, began along the border. According to Israeli statistics, the Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. In response, Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled government, at least 13,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militia, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist group. As border violence between Israel and Lebanon escalates, Western concerns about the spread of war in the Middle East have increased. The recent clashes represent the most severe violence along the border since the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, with over 70 Hezbollah militants, 13 Lebanese civilians, seven Israeli soldiers, and three Israeli civilians killed so far. Al-Mayadeen identified the killed journalists as Farah Omar, a reporter, and Rabi' al-Ma'mari, a cameraman. The third person killed in this attack was Hussein Aqeel, who was present at the filming location. Al-Mayadeen told Reuters that he was not working with the network. The Israeli army stated that it was not 'aware' of military activity in the area where the Palestinian journalist was killed. An Israeli army spokesperson said: 'Israeli ground forces are inside Gaza; the safety of journalists is not guaranteed.' The death toll of journalists in the Gaza war has reached 19. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least 67 journalists were killed in 2022. A Muslim Israeli rescuer commented on the Hamas terrorist attack, stating that it is the result of 'hatred.'