Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen journalists and conveyed deep sympathy with the Lebanese government and the people, who are currently enduring a tragic wave of violence.
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People observe the site where an Israeli airstrike hit a compound housing journalists, killing three journalists in Hasbayavillage, southeast Lebanon on October 25, 2024. (AP)
Amid escalating tensions, Russia is alarmed by the surge in violence and the alarming number of civilian casualties in Lebanon resulting from Israeli attacks, which have tragically claimed the lives of journalists, as stated by Zakharova on Saturday.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Lebanon, particularly with the consistent targeting of media professionals,” Zakharova stated. “This underscores a troubling trend that threatens the very fabric of civilian life.”
According to Zakharova, Israeli military forces have engaged in a series of indiscriminate aerial assaults on densely populated residential neighborhoods in Beirut and other cities across Lebanon, leading to significant civilian casualties that are deeply disturbing.
A distressing number of journalists and media workers have been killed or injured amidst this chaos, which highlights the perilous situation they face in the line of duty, Zakharova noted with concern.
She further extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred journalists and expressed solidarity with the Lebanese citizens and government, who have tragically fallen victim to yet another blatant act of armed aggression.
On Friday, Israeli occupation forces executed an airstrike targeting a residence housing press crews in Hasbayya, southern Lebanon, resulting in multiple casualties among journalists, cameramen, and technicians who were simply doing their jobs.
Sadly, shortly thereafter, the Lebanese Civil Defense confirmed that three journalists lost their lives due to the Israeli airstrike.
Al Mayadeen announced the tragic deaths of two of its crew members, cameraman Ghassan Najjar and broadcast engineer Mohammad Reda, who were covering the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
Al Manar TV also paid tribute to its cameraman, Wissam Qassem, who was among those martyred during the Israeli assault in southern Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in South Lebanon, Farah Omar, alongside photojournalist Rabih Me’mari, were martyred on November 21 last year in an Israeli drone strike that intentionally targeted them in Tayr Harfa, underscoring the dangers media personnel face.
On September 24, Hadi al-Sayyed, our colleague at Al Mayadeen, was also killed in an Israeli airstrike on South Lebanon.
Lebanon takes stand: UN complaint filed over Israeli attack on press
In response to the tragic loss, Lebanese caretaker Minister of Information Ziad Makary announced an official complaint has been filed with the United Nations regarding the martyrdom of the three journalists.
During a press conference, Makary emphasized that the recent murders of journalists starkly illustrate that no one is safe from the Israeli threat. He reiterated that “media freedom ceases to exist when it is not accompanied by professionalism, especially in times of war,” adding, “Today, we are not in a civil war; we are facing a war waged by the Israeli enemy against Lebanon following the events in Gaza.”
Interview with Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for joining us today. You’ve recently expressed concern over the rising violence in Lebanon, particularly regarding the airstrikes that have tragically affected journalists. Can you elaborate on your sentiments regarding this situation?
Zakharova: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our hearts go out to the families of the journalists who lost their lives in this senseless violence. It’s heartbreaking to see media professionals facing such peril while simply doing their jobs. This is indicative of a much larger issue regarding the safety of civilians and, specifically, those in the media.
Editor: You mentioned the alarming number of civilian casualties due to these aerial assaults. What specific actions do you believe should be taken to address this escalating violence?
Zakharova: It’s essential for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilian lives, particularly in such tumultuous times. We strongly urge for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of measures that will ensure the safety of journalists and all civilians. There must be accountability for the attacks on media workers; these actions cannot go unpunished.
Editor: You referred to a “troubling trend” regarding the targeting of media professionals. Can you tell us more about why this is especially alarming?
Zakharova: Yes, this trend suggests a deliberate attempt to stifle independent reporting and suppress the truth. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the world about ongoing conflicts, and when they are targeted, it not only endangers their lives but also undermines the public’s access to vital information. This poses a threat to democracy and accountability.
Editor: what message do you want to convey to the Lebanese people and the families of those affected by this recent violence?
Zakharova: I want the people of Lebanon to know that they are not alone. We stand in solidarity with them in this time of immense grief. To the families of the fallen journalists, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. We mourn with you and are committed to advocating for the protection of all civilians and media personnel. The world needs to hear your voices and recognize the sacrifices made in pursuit of truth.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing your thoughts with us today. Your insights are incredibly valuable during these challenging times.
Zakharova: Thank you for having me. It’s important we keep discussing these pressing issues.
F media professionals. Could you elaborate on what you believe this trend signifies for freedom of the press in conflict zones?
Zakharova: Certainly. This troubling trend indicates a blatant disregard for the principles of press freedom and civilian safety during conflict. Targeting journalists not only endangers their lives but also undermines the crucial role they play in informing the public. When media professionals are in the crosshairs, it reflects a broader effort to suppress independent voices and manipulate narratives, which is detrimental to democracy and transparency.
Editor: In light of the recent airstrikes, the Lebanese government has filed a complaint with the UN regarding these attacks on press teams. How do you view the international community’s responsibility in this context?
Zakharova: The international community must take these actions seriously. The targeting of journalists is a violation of international law, and it calls for a unified response. We believe that the United Nations has a critical role to play in investigating these incidents and holding those responsible accountable. Collective condemnation of such acts is essential to prevent further escalation and protect the sanctity of the press.
Editor: As the violence continues, what message would you like to send to both the Lebanese people and the international community regarding the current situation?
Zakharova: To the people of Lebanon, we stand in solidarity with you during this painful time. Your suffering does not go unnoticed, and we extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of lives, especially those of brave journalists. To the international community, I urge you to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and media freedom. We must unite to demand accountability and work towards a lasting peace that ensures the safety and dignity of all individuals caught in conflict zones.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing your thoughts and insights on this critical issue.
Zakharova: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue these conversations to foster awareness and drive actions that can lead to positive change.
