Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has strongly condemned Israel over a recent airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed journalist Amal Khalil and injured another reporter, calling the attack a deliberate attempt to silence the press.
In an official statement, Aoun said the strike targeted journalists in the town of Al-Tiri, describing it as part of what he termed Israel’s “repeated targeting of media personnel” aimed at concealing alleged violations in Lebanon.
He said such actions constitute crimes against humanity under international law and urged the global community to intervene to stop further attacks on journalists and civilians.
According to Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed TV, Khalil, who worked for the newspaper Al-Akhbar, was killed on Wednesday after being trapped under rubble following Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Rescue teams were initially unable to reach her due to continued shelling.
Another journalist, Zeinab Faraj, was also injured in the strike and later transferred to hospital for treatment.
President Aoun extended condolences to Khalil’s family and expressed solidarity with the staff of Al-Akhbar as well as the wider Lebanese and Arab media community, wishing Faraj a speedy recovery.
The strike took place despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that came into effect 10 days earlier following weeks of cross-border hostilities.
Lebanese authorities have called for renewed international pressure to ensure the protection of journalists operating in conflict zones and to prevent further escalation in the region.