BEIRUT, LEBANON – International rights groups are calling for an investigation into the Israeli strikes that killed a journalist and injured six others in southern Lebanon, describing the attacks as a likely direct attack on civilians and potential war crime.

According to separate investigations conducted by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, Israel’s military shot artillery shells at journalists near the border on October 13, in what appeared to be targeted attacks on civilians. The attacks resulted in the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and the injury of six other journalists, including Al Jazeera cameraperson Elie Brakhia and reporter Carmen Joukhadar.

Human Rights Watch stated that the evidence indicates that the Israeli military knew or should have known that the group of people they were firing on were civilians, making the attack a “war crime.” The group also called for Israel’s allies to suspend military assistance and arms sales, given the risk they will be used for grave abuses.

Amnesty International similarly characterized the Israeli military strikes as likely a direct attack on civilians that must be investigated as a war crime. The group emphasized the importance of protecting journalists, stating that no journalist should ever be targeted or killed simply for carrying out their work.

The Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted the dangers faced by journalists covering the Gaza war, citing at least 63 journalist deaths since the conflict began. The organization also noted that the war has resulted in the deadliest month for journalists since they began tracking data in 1992.

The ongoing violence in the region has raised concerns about the safety and protection of journalists, with calls for accountability and the safeguarding of press freedom. The investigation into the Israeli strikes serves as a reminder of the risks faced by journalists reporting on conflict zones.

In conclusion, the Israeli strikes that killed a journalist and injured six others in southern Lebanon are under scrutiny by international rights groups, with calls for an investigation into the potential war crimes. The ongoing conflict in the region has raised concerns about the safety of journalists, highlighting the need for accountability and the protection of press freedom.