Summary:

• An Israeli tank firing from over a kilometer away killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injured six others, including AFP photographer Christina Assi, in Lebanon on October 13, 2023, violating international humanitarian law and raising concerns about the deliberate targeting of journalists.

A Reuters investigative report reveals that on October 13, 2023, an Israeli tank fired two shells into Lebanon, killing Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injuring six other reporters, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Christina Assi. The incident occurred as the journalists were filming cross-border shelling. The investigation involved interviews with over 30 officials, experts, and witnesses, as well as the analysis of video footage, photos, and evidence from the scene.

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) found that the tank rounds were fired from an Israeli position 1.34 km away from the journalists. Reuters presented its findings to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which denied intentionally targeting journalists. The attack violated international humanitarian law, as journalists are protected civilians and cannot be considered military targets.

The investigation, supported by evidence from satellite images, audio recordings, and analysis of shell fragments, suggests that the tank rounds were two M329 Anti-Personnel/Anti-Material rounds or two M339 High-Explosive rounds, manufactured by Elbit Systems. The IDF has not made its findings public, and the incident raises concerns about the deliberate targeting of journalists.

The attack on October 13 was the first of two deadly strikes on reporters in Lebanon within six weeks, highlighting the risks faced by journalists covering clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants along the border. The international community has called for accountability, emphasizing the protection of journalists under international law.

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