The southern town of Khyam today, Saturday, bid farewell to journalist Issam Abdullah, who was martyred yesterday, Friday, while performing his duties following an attack by the Israeli army on a vehicle carrying journalists in the town of Alaa al-Shab, southern Lebanon. Abdullah was laid to rest in his hometown’s cemetery, after his coffin was carried on the shoulders of friends, colleagues, and residents of the southern town, amid chants condemning the Israeli forces.
Abdullah’s body was transported from the Italian-Lebanese hospital in Tyre to Khyam, where the townspeople welcomed his body with ululations and rice. The Israeli army targeted a group of journalists in a vehicle belonging to Al Jazeera in Alaa al-Shab, southern Lebanon. As a result of the shelling, the Reuters photographer Issam Abdullah was martyred, and five other journalists were injured due to the direct targeting of the vehicle, which was completely burned.
The Israeli army stated today that it is aware of the incident that occurred in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Issam Abdullah, adding that "an investigation is underway into the incident." A spokesman for the army said: "We are aware of the incident involving the Reuters journalist. We are looking into the matter. We already have footage. An interrogation is ongoing. It is a tragic matter."
The Lebanese army, for its part, issued a statement today from the army command - Directorate of Guidance, which said: "Following the previous statement on 13/10/2023 regarding the targeting by the Israeli enemy of an army observation tower in the outskirts of Alaa al-Shab, on the same date, the Israeli enemy fired a missile that hit a civilian vehicle belonging to a media team, leading to the martyrdom of photographer Issam Abdullah and the injury of five others. The enemy also targeted the outskirts of the towns of Marwaheen, Aita al-Shab, Kfarshouba, and Adaisseh with missiles fired from helicopters, as well as artillery shells, including phosphorus and illuminating shells. The army continues to maintain readiness and take necessary measures in border areas."
