Lebanon: An Israeli military strike that resulted in the death of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and severe injury to camerawoman Zeinab Faraj on 22 April 2026 in southern Lebanon is being called for investigation as a potential war crime, Amnesty International announced today.
According to Amnesty International, evidence collected from the incident, including testimonies from the sole survivor and first responders, as well as audiovisual material and coordination records, strongly suggests that the journalists were deliberately targeted. The attack unfolded in the village of al-Tiri, within an area designated by the Israeli military as a Forward Defence zone, where civilians are prohibited from returning. The journalists had sought refuge after witnessing an air strike that killed two men in a car ahead of them.
The attack involved three consecutive strikes over two hours, with the first strike targeting the vehicle carrying the two men, identified by the Israeli military as Hezbollah operatives. The subsequent strikes targeted the journalists' parked car and the building where they had taken shelter. Despite the presence of surveillance drones, which should have identified the journalists as civilians, strikes continued, culminating in the death of Amal Khalil and serious injuries to Zeinab Faraj.
Amnesty International's investigation highlights a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, stressing that journalists are considered civilians and should be protected. The organization is urging for a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the incident as a war crime.
The Israeli military, in response to inquiries, maintained that their actions were aimed at eliminating Hezbollah operatives and that they had conducted a preliminary review of the incident. They expressed regret over harm to journalists and emphasized their commitment to minimizing harm while ensuring the security of their forces.
The aftermath of the attack saw further complications as rescue operations were delayed due to the need for authorization from the monitoring mechanism, which coordinates safe passage in conflict zones. The delay contributed to the challenges in rescuing the journalists and retrieving Amal Khalil's body from the rubble.
Amnesty International and other rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the killing of journalists with impunity, calling for accountability and adherence to international legal standards. The ongoing hostilities in the region, marked by a lack of accountability, continue to pose significant threats to civilians and journalists alike.