Official press releases or statements

Israeli Strike Kills Three Journalists, Including Al-Mayadeen Staff, in Hasbaya

Oct 25, 2024, 06:20 AM

An Israeli airstrike in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon, killed at least three journalists in the early hours of Friday morning, according to Lebanese media reports. The journalists were staying in a guesthouse known to house media personnel covering the conflict from southern Lebanon. The area was viewed as relatively safe and not under Israeli evacuation orders. The attack occurred around 4 am local time while the journalists were asleep. Among the victims were two staff members from Al-Mayadeen—cameraman Ghassan Najjar and broadcast engineer Mohammad Reda—and a cameraman from Al-Manar TV, Wissam Kassem. Several other journalists were injured in the strike. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency confirmed the fatalities, calling it an attack on a compound housing journalists. The guesthouse was reportedly clearly marked with 'press' signs.