According to Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Legal Agenda, an April 22 attack by the Israeli military in Al-Tiri, Lebanon, that targeted two journalists and injured them while killing other civilians should be independently investigated as a war crime.
The Sequence of Attacks on Journalists in Al-Tiri
On April 22, Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and her colleague Zeinab Faraj traveled to the South Lebanese village of Al-Tiri after learning that the Israeli military had withdrawn from the area. The location was within a zone declared off-limits to Lebanese citizens, part of broader displacement orders that had affected roughly one million people according to human rights investigators. The journalists followed a vehicle carrying the mayor of nearby Bint Jbeil and an unnamed displaced friend from Al-Tiri, according to reports studied by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Legal Agenda.
Khalil and Faraj fled their car and sought cover in a nearby building as drones continued to circle overhead. In a second strike, a missile hit the journalists’ vehicle, injuring both women. A third explosion targeted the building where they had taken refuge, causing it to collapse. Hospital reports cited by the human rights organizations note that Khalil died of a heart arrest hours after the incident.
Did you know?
According to United Nations data cited in the investigations, 14 journalists have been killed in attacks since the outbreak of the war in Lebanon in 2023.
Obstruction of Rescue Efforts and UN Coordination
Rescue teams attempting to reach the wounded journalists faced prolonged obstruction from the Israeli military. Human Rights Watch and Legal Agenda reported that the International Committee of the Red Cross requested assistance through the United Nations interim force UNIFIL to extract the two women, but received no response from Israeli forces. When Red Cross personnel attempted to approach, the military fired a flash grenade and shot at the rescue workers, forcing them to withdraw.
Despite a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that began on April 17—five days prior to the incident—civilians were still barred from returning to their homes in the south. The human rights groups emphasize that the presence of the journalists in the restricted zone did not strip them of their protected status as civilians under international humanitarian law. Deliberate targeting of journalists constitutes a war crime under these legal frameworks.
Military Response and Investigation Status
The Israeli military stated in a communication to Amnesty International that the occupants of the lead vehicle were the intended target of the strike. The military expressed regret for any harm caused to journalists, adding that a preliminary investigation into the incident has been established. “Relevant lessons have been drawn and are being applied,” the military stated in its declaration to Amnesty.
Human Rights Watch has urged Israel’s international allies, including the United States and European Union member states such as Germany, to suspend arms shipments and military assistance in response to violations of the laws of war. The organization also recommended imposing sanctions on Israeli officials linked to human rights abuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were the journalists considered protected civilians?
Yes. According to international law cited by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, journalists retain civilian status and protection even if they are in zones designated as restricted by military forces.
What do human rights organizations want done following the attack?
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Legal Agenda are calling for an independent and impartial war crimes investigation, alongside a suspension of military aid and the imposition of targeted sanctions by international allies.
Has the military commented on the strike?
The Israeli military stated that the vehicle in front was the intended target, expressed regret for harm to journalists, and noted that a preliminary investigation is underway.
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