Airstrike in Southern Lebanon Kills Journalists and Aid Workers, Sparks International Reaction

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three journalists and nine aid workers on Saturday, 8 March, prompting strong domestic and international reactions. The victims included one journalist from Al-Manar TV and two from Al-Mayadeen TV, both media outlets affiliated with Hezbollah. The Israeli military said the strike targeted Ali Shuaib, alleging he was operating under the cover of journalism. Lebanese officials condemned the attack as a war crime and a violation of international laws protecting journalists and medical personnel in conflict zones. Authorities also reported that nine aid workers were killed while conducting rescue operations, with dozens of healthcare workers reportedly killed since the start of the conflict. Russia called for an international investigation, while the World Health Organization stressed that medical personnel must be protected under international law. Israel said its operations against what it called Hezbollah military infrastructure would continue, while Hezbollah denied any link between Shuaib and its intelligence units.