An Israeli drone reportedly dropped a grenade on a rescue team attempting to evacuate wounded journalists in Tayri, southern Lebanon, prompting condemnation and investigation.
Israeli Strike on Rescue Team Confirmed, Details Emerge
Reuters, citing sources in the Lebanese army, reports that an Israeli drone struck a rescue team as they tried to lift an injured journalist from rubble in the city of Tayri. The Lebanese army reportedly requested permission from the Israeli military, via U.S.-mediated channels, to evacuate the journalists.
The Israeli military denied impeding rescue efforts, stating, “At this stage, the Israel Defense Forces are not obstructing the arrival of rescue forces at the scene.” However, the military confirmed it is analyzing the incident and received reports of journalists wounded by Israeli fire.
Context of the Incident: Hezbollah Activity and Israeli Response
The Israeli army claims “terrorists” breached a defensive line near Tayri and approached Israeli forces, creating a direct threat. In response, the air force targeted a vehicle belonging to the militants and the building they retreated to.
A Red Cross vehicle was also reportedly targeted by Israeli fire.
Journalist Injuries and Evacuation Efforts
L’Orient-Le-Jour reports that the Red Cross, using an excavator, attempted to remove debris to reach journalist Amal Khalil. Zeinab Faraj, the second injured journalist, has been evacuated to a hospital with minor head and leg injuries. The Red Cross vehicle transporting Faraj was also allegedly shelled by the Israeli army, according to the Lebanese news agency.
Official Reactions and Appeals
Lebanese President Aoun appealed to the Lebanese Red Cross to assist the journalists in cooperation with the army and international forces, urging against attacks on journalists performing their duties. This statement was posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Ongoing Negotiations and Regional Tensions
Israel and Lebanon held a second round of talks on Thursday. Lebanese representatives aim to extend the ceasefire, which began on April 16th, for another month. The first round of talks in decades took place last week.
Escalation and Background of the Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces declared a demarcation line – a “yellow line” – in southern Lebanon, mirroring the one in the Gaza Strip. The conflict began in early March with Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group operating outside the control of the Lebanese government.
Southern Lebanon has been occupied by Israeli forces since the start of the offensive against Hezbollah. Hezbollah has aligned with Iran in the broader conflict between the U.S. and Israel. Approximately 1.2 million people have fled southern Lebanon, and nearly 2,300 Lebanese have been killed. Israel seeks to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks.
