Three journalists were killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon on Saturday, March 28, 2026, including a reporter working for Hezbollah-owned Al Manar television. The incident has sparked condemnation and raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering the escalating conflict.
Journalists Targeted
Ali Shuaib, a correspondent for Al Manar, was among those killed when an Israeli strike hit the vehicle he was traveling in. Al Manar described Shuaib as an “icon of resistance media.” Two other journalists, siblings Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni, also died in the strike, according to Al Mayadeen channel. Lebanon’s president called the attack a “blatant crime.”
The Israeli military accused Shuaib of being “a terrorist” operating under the “guise of a journalist” and alleged he was exposing locations of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. The Israeli statement did not mention the deaths of Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated it is investigating the attack and emphasized that “journalists are not legitimate targets, regardless of the outlet they operate for.” The CPJ also noted a “disturbing pattern” of Israel accusing journalists of being combatants without providing evidence.
Following the strike, Jamal Al-Gharabi, a colleague of the Ftounis, broadcast from the scene, displaying the charred remains of the vehicle and torn press vests. He questioned the protection afforded to journalists under international law.
Lebanon’s information minister, Paul Morcos, announced the government will file a complaint with the UN Security Council, describing the attack as a “deliberate and blatant war crime against the media and the mission of journalism.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ali Shuaib?
Ali Shuaib was a correspondent for Hezbollah-owned Al Manar television, described by the network as an “icon of resistance media.” He was killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon on March 28, 2026.
What did the Israeli military say about the strike?
The Israeli military accused Ali Shuaib of being “a terrorist” operating under the “guise of a journalist” who was exposing locations of Israeli soldiers. The statement did not mention the deaths of Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni.
What has been the reaction to the attack?
The Lebanese presidency called the attack a “blatant crime.” The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating and has stated that journalists are not legitimate targets. Lebanon’s information minister announced a complaint will be filed with the UN Security Council.
As tensions continue to rise between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, what steps will be taken to ensure the safety of journalists reporting from the region?