Qatar Condemns Killing of Lebanese Journalists

Qatar has strongly condemned the deadly Israeli airstrike that killed three Lebanese journalists and injured others during a raid in southeast Lebanon, describing it as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant attack on press freedom.

The pre-dawn airstrike targeted a guesthouse used by media personnel covering the ongoing conflict, reducing the building to rubble and turning vehicles marked 'PRESS' into dust-covered wrecks.

The raid, one of the deadliest on journalists in the region since hostilities began a year ago, resulted in the tragic deaths of camera operator Ghassan Najjar and broadcast technician Mohammed Rida of Al-Mayadeen TV, as well as camera operator Wissam Qassim from Al-Manar TV.

In an official statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, emphasizing that it forms part of a disturbing pattern of systematic aggression against journalists amid the conflict in Gaza. The Ministry highlighted the need for swift international action to hold the Israeli forces accountable and prevent further assaults on media personnel.

The strike, which occurred around 3 am, came without any prior warning. While the Israeli military claimed the attack targeted Hezbollah military infrastructure, it also announced that the incident is under review.

Qatar extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Lebanon. The Foreign Ministry also wished the wounded a speedy recovery and reiterated its stance on the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and the public's right to access information.

The strike has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice growing louder. The targeted guesthouse had been a rare sanctuary for journalists covering the conflict, making the airstrike a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by media workers in conflict zones.

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