Israeli Tank Killed Reuters Reporter in Lebanon On October 13, UN Investigation Finds
Plus: Israeli drone kills Hamas member in Lebanon; Israeli strikes hit Hezbollah targets; Netanyahu claims over 13,000 Hamas militants killed; EU official says no evidence on UNRWA accusations.
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Israeli Tank Killed Reuters Reporter in Lebanon On October 13, UN Investigation Finds
A United Nations investigation has determined that an Israeli tank killed Reuters reporter Issam Abdallah in Lebanon last year. The tank fired two 120mm rounds at a group of clearly identifiable journalists, violating international law. The investigation conducted by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) revealed that there was no exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon for over 40 minutes before the tank fired.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Hamas Member in Southern Lebanon
A Hamas operative was killed in a drone strike on his car in southern Lebanon on March 13. The strike also resulted in the death of a Syrian passerby and injured two others. The deceased, Hadi Mustafa, was affiliated with Hamas but not a high-ranking member. The Israeli military confirmed his elimination. This incident adds to tensions on the Lebanon-Israel border, where Hezbollah has been engaging in conflict with Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli Strikes Hit Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
Israeli warplanes launched strikes into Lebanon for the second day this week, targeting a Hezbollah facility in the Bekaa Valley. Two Hezbollah members were killed, according to the group. The Israeli military stated it hit two Hezbollah command centers in response to earlier rocket launches toward northern Israel. The violence escalates tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, alongside the Gaza conflict, raising concerns of a broader conflict. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing over 100 Katyusha rockets at Israeli military posts in retaliation for Israeli shelling in the Bekaa Valley. Monday’s Israeli strikes killed one civilian and wounded several others, including near the ancient ruins of Baalbek.
Over 13,000 Hamas Militants Killed in Gaza Conflict, Netanyahu Claims
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that over 13,000 Hamas members were killed among Palestinians during the Gaza conflict and pledged to continue the offensive. Palestinian figures report over 31,000 Palestinian deaths in the five-month war, which began after Hamas militants attacked Israel in October. Gaza’s health ministry doesn’t provide the breakdown of casualties between civilians and militants, but it notes that 72% of the deceased were women and children. Hamas disputes Israel’s count of militants, dismissing it as attempts to fabricate successes.
No Evidence from Israel to Support UNRWA Accusations, EU Official Says
The EU’s top humanitarian aid official stated that Israel has not provided evidence to support its accusations against UNRWA staff. UNRWA, vital for Gaza, faced a crisis after Israel accused some staff of involvement in Hamas attacks, leading major donors, the U.S., and others to halt funding. Janez Lenarcic, from the European Commission, mentioned that no evidence had been presented by Israel to him or other EU executives or UNRWA donors.
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My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
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Cover photo | Reuters