Rights groups say Israeli attack that killed Lebanese journalist an apparent war crime

Human rights organizations have asserted that an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon on April 22, which resulted in the death of al-Akhbar newspaper reporter Amal Khalil and the severe injury of freelance camera operator Zeinab Faraj, is likely a war crime. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accuse Israel of targeting journalists while they were performing their duties.

The Israeli military, however, denies targeting the journalists, stating that their strikes were aimed at two Hezbollah operatives. Two rights groups reviewed photographic and video evidence, witness testimonies, and messages from the Lebanese Red Cross, concluding that the journalists were in fact targeted. The first Israeli strike hit a car the journalists were traveling in, killing two men, and forced Khalil and Faraj to seek refuge.

A second strike hit their parked vehicle, wounding Khalil, who sought shelter in a building. A third strike destroyed the building, killing Khalil. Faraj was also injured in the attack. Phone records show Khalil remained in contact with first responders until rescue efforts were hindered by drone-delivered stun grenades. Khalil died of cardiac arrest several hours later.

Both rights groups emphasize that deliberate attacks on civilians, especially journalists who were seeking safety, are prohibited under international law.