Israel accused of war crimes after Lebanese journalist killed in airstrike Lebanon’s prime minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes after an Israeli drone strike killed a journalist and wounded another in southern Lebanon on April 23, 2026. The attack occurred near the town of Al-Tayri, where journalists Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj were working for the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar. According to Lebanese officials, an initial strike hit a vehicle in front of the journalists, killing two civilians. Khalil and Faraj then sought shelter in a nearby building, which was subsequently targeted in a second strike. Amal Khalil, 43, died after being trapped beneath rubble for nearly four hours, during which rescue teams were reportedly prevented from reaching her by Israeli gunfire. Zeinab Faraj was wounded in the attack and later transported to a hospital under hostile conditions. Lebanon’s Union of Journalists stated that rescuers were blocked from accessing the destroyed building where Khalil was trapped. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the incident on social media, accusing Israel of establishing a pattern of targeting media workers in southern Lebanon whereas carrying out their professional duties. He described the killing as part of an “established approach” that constitutes war crimes under international law. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied preventing rescue teams from reaching the site and stated that it does not target journalists, claiming its actions are aimed at mitigating harm while maintaining troop safety. The IDF said it had identified two vehicles departing from a Hezbollah-linked military structure that approached its troops in a manner posing an immediate threat, justifying the initial strike. It added that the building struck later was identified as a location associated with the journalists after they fled the area. International reactions have included condemnation from press freedom organizations and calls for accountability. Lebanese authorities have said they will pursue the case before competent international forums. The incident marks the fourth media worker killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon since March 2026. Al-Akhbar, the newspaper for which Khalil worked, is described as a left-leaning, pro-Hezbollah publication. No evidence has been presented by either side to substantiate claims of intentional targeting beyond the conflicting narratives provided. The IDF maintains its actions were in response to perceived threats, while Lebanese officials and journalists’ unions assert the strike was deliberate and part of a broader pattern of attacks on media personnel in the region.
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