Israeli Airstrike Kills Three Journalists in Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike in southeast Lebanon killed three journalists early Friday, with three others injured. The attack targeted a hotel in Hasbaya where media staff were staying, and eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with significant destruction caused by the missiles. Those killed included members from Al-Mayadeen and Al-Manar TV, and their deaths have been condemned by Lebanese officials as a 'war crime.' The strike occurred without prior warning from the Israeli military, raising concerns over the safety of journalists in the region, which has seen increased violence since the escalation of conflict in October 2023. The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed the casualties, while local media highlighted that the hotel was a civilian site, not a military target. This incident adds to the mounting toll on journalists in the ongoing conflict, which has seen numerous media casualties on both sides.