Hundreds of mourners gathered in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday for the funeral of three Lebanese journalists killed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day, as Lebanese authorities condemned the attack as a war crime and violation of international law.
The victims were Ali Shoeib, a veteran correspondent for Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV, Fatima Ftouni of the pro-Hezbollah Al Mayadeen channel, and her brother Mohammed Ftouni, a freelance cameraman. They were traveling together in a clearly marked press vehicle near Jezzine in southern Lebanon when Israeli forces targeted them on Saturday.
The funeral took place in pouring rain at a temporary cemetery in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds significant influence. Many attendees held aloft posters of the journalists wearing their press body armor and holding cameras. The bodies of Shoeib and Fatima Ftouni were draped with their respective news channels' logos and adorned with flower bouquets.
They're killing the messengers of this war
Mourner — Sky News
Israel's military acknowledged carrying out the strike but attempted to justify the killings by claiming Shoeib was a member of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force who was passing information about Israeli troop movements. The military provided no evidence for this allegation and did not comment on the deaths of the Ftouni siblings.
Al Jazeera frames the killings as a clear war crime by Israeli forces. The outlet emphasizes Lebanese authorities' condemnation and presents the attack as part of Israel's broader targeting of journalists.
France 24 provides balanced coverage noting both the funeral proceedings and Israel's justification claims. The outlet includes international condemnation while presenting multiple perspectives on the incident.
Sky News emphasizes the emotional impact of the funeral and strongly questions Israel's justification. The outlet highlights the lack of evidence for Israeli claims and frames the killings as part of a disturbing pattern.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killings as a blatant crime, while journalism organizations and international officials expressed outrage. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that if journalists were deliberately targeted, it would constitute a serious violation of international law.
We have seen a disturbing pattern in this war and in the decades prior of Israel accusing journalists of being active combatants and terrorists without providing credible evidence
Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director — Sky News
According to witnesses, as colleagues rushed to help the journalists after the initial strike, Israeli forces launched a second attack. The Lebanese health ministry reported that an ambulance carrying first responders sent to assist was also hit in the subsequent strike.
The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that journalists performing their duties are protected under the Geneva Convention rules of war, regardless of which outlet they work for. The organization has documented at least 11 Lebanese journalists and press workers killed by Israeli forces since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began in 2023.
Fatima and Ali were heroes. We will continue on this path, on this journey, even if we all become martyrs
Qassem, relative of Ftouni — The New Arab
The journalist deaths occurred amid intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon, with many attacks reportedly targeting healthcare facilities and workers. More than 50 medical personnel have been killed in less than a month, according to reports. Lebanese authorities say at least 1,189 people have died since the current round of hostilities began.