On Friday, an airstrike targeted a media compound in southeast Lebanon, killing three media staffers, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The compound, located in the Hasbaya region, housed chalets rented by various media organizations.
Al-Mayadeen TV confirmed the deaths of two of its staff—camera operator Ghassan Najar and technician Mohammed Rida. Al-Manar TV, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported the death of its camera operator Wissam Qassim. Ali Shoeib, a well-known correspondent for Al-Manar, confirmed the attack in a video, stating that the journalists were deliberately targeted despite the press markings.
The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.
The airstrike occurred amid escalating conflict, with Israel expanding operations in Lebanon. The Hasbaya area had been a temporary refuge for journalists relocating from Marjayoun, which had also come under attack.
This follows other fatal attacks on journalists since clashes between Israel and Hezbollah resumed along the border in October 2023. Notable past incidents include the killing of a Reuters videographer and two Al-Mayadeen journalists.
The broader conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 250 others. Israel’s military response has since spread to Gaza and Lebanon, with Lebanese officials reporting over 2,500 deaths since the conflict escalated.