Israel has killed at least 12 reporters and camera people in Lebanon since October 2023.
Beirut, November 29 (RHC)-- The Syndicate of Lebanese Press Editors has condemned in the strongest terms an Israeli attack on journalists in southern Lebanon. The attack was carried out hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday.
Israeli troops opened fire on a group of journalists covering the anticipated withdrawal and return of the displaced to the town of Khiam. Joseph Al-Qassifi, the head of the association, said on Wednesday the aggression was a continuation of the crimes of Israel against journalists since 2023.
Israel has killed at least 12 reporters and camera people in Lebanon since October 2023.
The Lebanese army has sealed off all entrances to Khiam as Israeli forces continue to maintain presence. Israeli troops have reportedly opened fire in a number of southern Lebanese villages following the ceasefire.
According to the al-Akhbar news outlet, mortars were fired near the town of Odaisseh and in the center of Meiss al-Jabal, both of them villages on the border. Shots were also fired near Markaba, another border village.
Thousands of displaced Lebanese are returning to their homes amid celebrations following the ceasefire. They made their way into southern Lebanon, defying the Israeli military’s warnings to avoid previously evacuated areas.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on Israel to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory. Under the agreement, fighting on Lebanon's southern border will cease entirely.
The deal will also see the Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army redeploying in the region. Hezbollah will then move its assets to the north of the Litani River. The transition process is set to take place during a 60-day period.
Since October 8, 2023, and particularly over the past two months, Hezbollah's missiles and drones have bypassed Israeli radar systems daily, striking deep inside the occupied territories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the ceasefire after his forces suffered heavy losses and failed to occupy even a single village in Lebanon.
[ SOURCE: PRESS TV ]
