Beirut – March 28, 2026
The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (witness) condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeting of several journalists and media professionals today on the Jezzine road in South Lebanon. This incident represents a deeply alarming development and a direct assault on the protection of civilians, specifically media workers operating within the context of armed conflict.
This attack resulted in the killing (martyrdom) of journalists Fatima Fatouni, a correspondent for Al-Mayadeen TV, and Ali Shoaib, a correspondent for Al-Manar TV and Al-Nour Radio, while they were performing their professional duties in covering field developments.
According to available information, the targeted journalists were carrying out their professional missions, which grants them the status of protected civilians under the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as long as they do not take a direct part in hostilities.
The targeting of journalists constitutes a clear violation of the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949, particularly the rules pertaining to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Furthermore, Article 79 of Additional Protocol I (1977) explicitly states that journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict shall be considered civilians and must be protected as such.
Accordingly, any direct or indiscriminate targeting of journalists is a breach of the principles of Distinction and Proportionality—fundamental pillars of IHL. Such acts may amount to war crimes if intentional targeting or gross negligence in verifying the nature of the target is established.
This incident is not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the freedom to convey the truth and an attempt to restrict access to information during conflicts. This further exacerbates the risk of impunity and undermines international accountability mechanisms.
witness calls for the following:
-
An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.
-
Ensuring accountability for those responsible in accordance with international law.
-
Taking immediate measures to guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers in conflict zones.
-
Urging the international community, including the UN Human Rights Council, to monitor these violations and ensure their non-repetition.
Palestinian Association for Human Rights (witness)