Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, a veteran correspondent for the daily newspaper Al-Akhbar, was killed on Wednesday, in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon.
According to reports, Khalil and journalist Zeinab Faraj were reporting on recent attacks when they took shelter in a house after a nearby vehicle was reportedly struck. A subsequent strike reportedly hit the building they were in, trapping them under the rubble. Zeinab was rescued with serious injuries, while Khalil was killed in the Israeli attack.
President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, expressed his condolences over the killing of journalist Amal Khalil in Israeli shelling that targeted the town of Al-Tayri, in an incident that also left journalist Zeinab Faraj injured.
President Aoun said Israel’s deliberate and repeated targeting of journalists aims to conceal the truth about its actions in Lebanon, describing such acts as crimes against humanity punishable under international laws and conventions. He also called on the international community to intervene and put an end to these actions.
He extended his condolences to Khalil’s family, as well as to the staff of the newspaper Al-Akhbar and the wider Lebanese and Arab media community, praying for mercy upon her and patience for her loved ones. He also wished a speedy recovery to her colleague Zeinab Faraj, who was injured in the same attack.
In a statement, the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon said, “We extend our condolences to the family of journalist Amal Khalil and to the media community in Lebanon on her martyrdom in the town of Tayri, Bint Jbeil district, under circumstances that shock the conscience of humanity.” The ministry added that she was reportedly pursued by Israeli forces to the house where she sought shelter, which was then reduced to rubble, claiming her life at the height of her professional dedication.
The ministry strongly condemned this heinous crime, describing it as part of a growing record of violations attributed to Israel against civilians, including journalists, healthcare workers, and paramedics. It added that such actions reflect a blatant disregard for international laws and humanitarian values.
Notably, a number of journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks so far. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Esmaeil Baqaei, wrote on X: “Amal Khalil is not just a name — she was a voice for the voiceless who are brutalized by the occupying genocidal regime. And like so many before her, that voice is now silenced for telling the truth about the occupying regime’s atrocities. Killing journalists is not merely an atrocious war crime; it is part of a cruel erasure of populations and annexation of territories in furtherance of a vicious colonial ambition.
“The world is morally and legally obliged to act against this continuing rule of cruelty. Our deepest condolences to all Lebanese and to all who value truth, justice, and humanity”, he added.
Meanwhile, several organizations condemned the killing of a Lebanese journalist.
The Committee to Protect Journalists called for an urgent international investigation into the killing of Amal Khalil.