Reuters videographer killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli shelling laid to rest
October 18, 2023 | by b1og.net
Reuters videographer killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli shelling laid to rest
Issam Abdallah, a talented videographer working for Reuters, tragically lost his life in southern Lebanon due to Israeli shelling. In a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds, Abdallah was laid to rest in his hometown of Khiam. The untimely death of this experienced journalist highlights the dangers faced by reporters as they strive to bring the world’s attention to the realities of conflicts. Abdallah’s demise is also a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region, with Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry seeking justice by filing a complaint against Israel for what it sees as a violation of press freedom. The incident is currently under review by the Israel Defense Forces, who expressed their condolences and vowed to investigate the matter. Sadly, Abdallah is not the only journalist to suffer in this conflict, as this incident marks the seventh journalist killed in just one week. This article delves into the details of Abdallah’s life, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the repercussions this tragedy has had on the international community.
Reuters videographer killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli shelling laid to rest
Funeral procession attended by hundreds of people
On Saturday, a funeral procession was held in the southern town of Khiam in Lebanon to lay to rest Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah. The procession was attended by hundreds of people who gathered to pay their respects to the journalist. Abdallah’s body, draped in a Lebanese flag, was carried on a stretcher through the streets of Khiam, from his family’s home to the local cemetery. The funeral was a somber event, as friends, family, colleagues, and members of the community came together to mourn the loss of a talented journalist.
Body carried on a stretcher through the streets of Khiam
The sight of Abdallah’s body being carried on a stretcher through the streets of Khiam was a poignant reminder of the dangers journalists face in conflict zones. As the procession made its way through the town, mourners paid their respects by throwing flowers onto the stretcher. The solemn atmosphere was a stark contrast to the vibrant and bustling streets of Khiam, which had been transformed into a place of mourning.
Journalists and lawmakers pay their respects
The funeral procession was attended by dozens of journalists and Lebanese lawmakers, who came to pay their respects to Abdallah. They gathered alongside his family and friends, united in their grief and support for one another. The presence of journalists and lawmakers highlights the importance of freedom of the press and the need to protect journalists who risk their lives to report the truth. Abdallah’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by journalists around the world and the vital role they play in society.
Killing of Issam Abdallah
Abdallah’s tragic death occurred on Friday evening near the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon. He was killed when an Israeli shell landed on a gathering of international journalists covering the exchange of fire between Israeli troops and members of Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group. The incident, which also resulted in the injury of several other journalists, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Details of the incident
According to the Lebanese army, the Israeli troops fired a shell that hit a civilian car used by journalists, resulting in Abdallah’s death and the injuries of others. The army also reported that other areas in southern Lebanon were targeted by an Israeli helicopter gunship and artillery at the time. The details of the incident are still under review, and the Israeli Defense Forces have stated that they are looking into the incident.
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry files complaint against Israel
In response to the shelling incident, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry has filed a complaint against Israel, calling it a “flagrant violation and a crime against freedom of opinion and press.” The ministry has asked Beirut’s mission to the United Nations to take action on the matter. The filing of the complaint demonstrates Lebanon’s commitment to upholding the rights of journalists and seeking justice for the tragic loss of Issam Abdallah.
Israel Defense Forces respond to the incident
The Israel Defense Forces have responded to the incident with a statement acknowledging the tragic death of the Reuters journalist. They have stated that they responded to a missile fired from Lebanon by Hezbollah, and the incident is currently under review. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesperson, expressed condolences for Abdallah’s death, calling it “tragic” and expressing remorse on behalf of the IDF.
Injuries to journalists
In addition to the death of Issam Abdallah, several other journalists were injured in the same shelling incident. Reuters reported that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded. Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV also confirmed that its cameraman Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar sustained injuries. Additionally, two journalists from AFP, Christina Assi, a photographer, and Dylan Collins, a video journalist, were also wounded. The injuries sustained by these journalists highlight the dangers faced by media professionals on the front lines of conflict.
Other journalists killed in the Israel-Hamas war
Issam Abdallah’s death marks the seventh journalist killed in the Israel-Hamas war, according to the international watchdog group Reporters Without Borders. Six of these journalists were killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that followed the offensive by Hamas on October 7. The loss of these journalists underscores the risks faced by media professionals in war-torn areas and the importance of protecting their safety.
Abdallah’s career with Reuters
Issam Abdallah had a long and distinguished career with Reuters, spanning 16 years. He was based in Beirut and had covered various conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. Abdallah’s dedication to his work and his commitment to reporting the truth made him a respected and valued member of the journalism community. Just a week before his death, he had posted a tribute on his social media accounts to Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist with Al Jazeera who was killed while covering an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank. Abdallah’s death is a tragic loss to the field of journalism and a reminder of the risks journalists face in their pursuit of truth.
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