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Dear friends,
Nearly a year ago, Reuters journalist Issam Abdalla was killed by an Israeli strike while reporting in southern Lebanon. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ten other organisations have sent a letter to the United Nations requesting an official investigation into the strike, which severely injured several of Abdalla’s colleagues.
Multiple reports by investigative journalists have found that the Israeli army killed Abdallah while he was wearing his clearly marked press vest and helmet, with his camera in hand. Those responsible for this crime must not go unpunished, especially as violence towards journalists in the region increases. We urge the UN Commission to take on this case and help us hold the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account.
Since Abdallah’s death, two other journalists, Farah Omar and Rabih Maamri from the TV channel Al-Mayadeen, have been killed by Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Lebanese media professionals have emphasised to RSF that the Lebanese-Israeli border is now a dangerous zone for reporters, and few journalists dare to go there.
To respond to the growing needs of these brave journalists – especially the need for security training – Reporters Without Borders has opened a press freedom centre in Beirut.
We count on your support to continue our work protecting journalists worldwide, so they can continue their work of providing us with reliable news.
Thank you for your generosity,
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