Airstrike on a press car in South Lebanon, killing 3 journalists

On March 28, 2026, an Israeli drone strike hit a marked press car while traveling on the main road in Jezzine, southern Lebanon, killing five people, including three journalists: Ali Shuaib (Al-Manar), Fatima Ftouni (Al-Mayadeen), Mohammed Ftouni, an independent cameraman and Fatima’s brother, and a relative of Shuaib. The strike directly targeted the vehicle while they were inside. The strike directly targeted the vehicle while they were inside. According to an Al Araby reporter on the scene, Israel targeted their car with two strikes, killing Ali Shuaib and Mohammed Ftouni. Fatima survived and tried to get away, but the Israeli drone struck her a couple of times down the road as bystanders tried to approach and help.

Other journalists were wounded in the attack, and one paramedic was killed as ambulances were also reportedly targeted.

Video of the aftermath showed singed press jackets and helmets, as well as tripods and microphones that had been pulled from the car.

The last message on Shuaib’s personal Telegram channel, sent within an hour of the attack, referred to shelling in the southern town of Khiam, consistent with the route the three journalists were taking.

The Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) online claimed the "elimination" of "Ali Hassan Shaib, a Hezbollah Radwan Force terrorist who operated for years under the guise of a journalist for the Al-Manar network. Shaib exposed IDF troop positions in southern Lebanon and maintained direct contact with Hezbollah operatives."

This strike was universally condemned by all Lebanese political, military, and civilian components. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack constitutes a "blatant crime that violates all norms" and called on international bodies to take action. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the attack, urging respect for international law, according to the National News Agency. Separately, the Syndicate of Workers in Visual and Audio Media in Lebanon stated: "Targeting journalists in the field is a blatant attack on press freedom and a transparent attempt to silence free voices and obscure the serious human rights violations taking place. This crime not only targets specific individuals but also the entire media community and all those who strive to reveal the truth to the public."

At a news conference, Information Minister Paul Morcos said that Lebanon is preparing to file a complaint with the UN Security Council over the attack.

Broader context:

In mid-March 2026, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began a ground operation inside southern Lebanon, advancing forces beyond the border area into Lebanese territory. This marked a significant escalation beyond air and drone strikes. Israel describes these as “targeted” ground operations against Hezbollah positions aimed at pushing militants away from the border and establishing a forward defensive area/buffer zone south of the Litani River.