The Israeli army targeted a group of journalists in a car belonging to Al Jazeera in Alama Al-Shaab, southern Lebanon. As a result of the shelling, Reuters photographer Issam Abdullah was martyred, and five journalists were injured in the direct strike on the car, which was burned. Footage captured the moment when several Reuters journalists who were live-streaming the current exchanges of fire at the border were hit by what is claimed to be an Israeli artillery shell.
Appeals were made for civil defense to go to the location to assist the injured. The late colleague Issam Abdullah had posted his last tweet on the "X" platform regarding the Israeli bombing of Alama Al-Shaab. Al Jazeera reported that among the injured were their correspondent Carmen Jukhadar and Ely Brahia, in addition to the injury of Tasnim agency photographer Muhammad Hassan.
The Al Jazeera team confirmed that they were complying with all procedures in conjunction with Reuters and a number of journalists and media reporters. Al Jazeera office director Mazen Ibrahim indicated that "the journalists were standing on an overlooking hill," and that "foreign agency journalists were gathering in one place for mutual protection." He believes that "the targeting of the journalists was intentional," adding that "all the journalists were wearing helmets and insignia indicating they are #journalists."
In the first comment on the crime, the Journalists' Syndicate called for respect for international laws that guarantee the freedom of journalists' work. The Lebanese army also urged journalists and civil defense teams to evacuate the area where journalists were targeted by the Israeli army between Alama Al-Shaab and Daheirah, fearing further shelling.
In a statement, Reuters announced that a video photographer from the agency was killed while performing his duties in southern Lebanon. The statement read, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of video photographer Issam Abdullah." The agency added, "Issam was a member of the Reuters team in southern Lebanon providing live video footage. Reuters is urgently seeking more information, working with local authorities, and supporting Issam's family and colleagues." This was the last image of the martyr photographer Issam Abdullah.
