Reuters' journalist Issam Abdallah takes a selfie picture while working in Maras, Turkey, Feb 11, 2023.ISTANBUL — An Israeli tank killed Reuters reporter Issam Abdallah in Lebanon last year by firing two 120 mm rounds at a group of "clearly identifiable journalists" in violation of international law, a UN investigation into the Oct 13 incident has found.
The seven-page report dated Feb 27 said further: "It is assessed that there was no exchange of fire across the Blue Line at the time of the incident. The reason for the strikes on the journalists is not known." "The IDF deplores any injury to uninvolved parties, and does not deliberately shoot at civilians, including journalists," Dinar said. "The IDF considers the freedom of the press to be of utmost importance while clarifying that being in a war zone is dangerous."
The UNIFIL report was sent to the United Nations in New York on Feb 28 and has been shared with the Lebanese and Israeli militaries, two people familiar with the matter said. Details of incidents in UNIFIL's area of operations are included in regular reports by the UN Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. UNIFIL's investigations, however, are not usually made public and Reuters was unable to determine if there would be any UN follow-up.