UN Investigation: Israeli Tank Killed Reuters Photographer in Lebanon – Violation of International Law

2024-03-14 06:59:46

A United Nations investigation found that an Israeli tank killed Reuters photographer Issam Abdullah in Lebanon on October 13, by firing two 120 mm shells at a group of “clearly identifiable journalists” in violation of international law.

The investigation conducted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that its personnel did not record any exchange of fire across the border between Israel and Lebanon for more than 40 minutes, before an Israeli Merkava tank opened fire.

The UNIFIL report stated that “shooting civilians, in this case clearly identifiable journalists, constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (of 2006) and international law.”

The 7-page report, dated February 27, stated, “It is estimated that there was no exchange of fire across the Blue Line at the time of the incident. There is no known reason for the strikes on the journalists.”

Reuters: Israel must hold accountable those responsible for the killing of Abdullah

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni also called on Israel to explain how the attack that killed Abdullah (37 years old) occurred and to hold those responsible accountable.

According to what Reuters quoted two knowledgeable people as saying, the UNIFIL report was sent to the United Nations in New York on February 28, and then sent to the Lebanese and Israeli armies.

The report said in its recommendations: “The Israeli army must conduct an investigation into the incident and fully review its procedures at the time to avoid its recurrence… The Israeli army must share with UNIFIL the results of its investigations.”

United Nations: Journalists and media professionals must be protected

On the other hand, a UN spokesman confirmed that the UNIFIL report had been shared with the parties, adding: “We affirm that all parties must fulfill their obligations under international law, and that civilians, including journalists, must never be a target. Journalists must be protected.” And the media.”

UNIFIL’s findings support an investigation conducted by Reuters, published on December 7, which showed that seven journalists from Agence France-Presse, Al Jazeera and Reuters were injured by two 120 mm shells fired by a tank 1.34 kilometers away in the Palestinian territories. Occupied.

Zionist entity, press, United Nations

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