What happened on April 22, 2026, in southern Lebanon?

In an Israeli attack, journalist Amal Khalil was killed and her colleague Zainab Faraj was seriously injured. The attack consisted of three strikes: one on a vehicle in front of them, one on their car, and one on the building where they sought shelter.

Why are HRW and Amnesty International calling for a war crimes investigation?

Both organizations claim that the evidence suggests the journalists, as civilians, may have been deliberately targeted, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

What was the Israeli military's response?

In a brief response, the Israeli military stated that a preliminary investigation determined that the journalist was killed during an incident in which two Hezbollah fighters were also killed, and that the incident is still under investigation.

Have Israeli forces been previously accused of attacking journalists?

Yes, the Israeli military has faced previous accusations of killing journalists, particularly during the war in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has accused Israel of a practice of labeling journalists as terrorists without credible evidence.

World

HRW and Amnesty Call for Investigation into Israeli Attack on Journalist

A.D. · Prije 2h | 3 min

Human rights organizations urge independent inquiry into the death of Amal Khalil, alleging journalists may have been deliberately targeted.

Summary

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for an investigation into the Israeli attack in southern Lebanon as a possible war crime.
The attack on April 22, 2026, killed journalist Amal Khalil and seriously injured her colleague Zainab Faraj.
HRW reports that three consecutive strikes occurred and that the Israeli military obstructed rescue efforts.
The Israeli military claims the journalist was killed in an incident that also killed two Hezbollah fighters and that an investigation is ongoing.

International human rights organizations Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have called for an investigation into an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon that killed journalist Amal Khalil and seriously injured her colleague Zainab Faraj on April 22, 2026. In a report released on August 6, HRW stated that the attack could constitute a war crime, while Amnesty International concluded the same day that the journalists were deliberately targeted despite their civilian status.

"The Israeli military says it does not target journalists, but the facts and evidence show that it has done so repeatedly. Amal Khalil and Zainab Faraj are the latest victims in a long series of such attacks," said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at HRW. The organization based its findings on a review of video footage, witness statements, and other evidence, asserting that the Israeli military knew or should have known that the two women were civilians.

Triple Attack and Obstruction of Rescue Efforts

According to HRW's detailed report, three separate attacks occurred on the fateful day of April 22. The first strike hit a vehicle in front of the journalists' car, killing two people. Their car was then struck, forcing them to seek shelter in a nearby building. That building was also attacked shortly thereafter.

HRW further accused the Israeli military of obstructing rescue efforts. It reported that medics from the Lebanese Red Cross were forced to retreat after a stun grenade was dropped from a drone. Witnesses also stated that an ambulance was damaged by gunfire. Amnesty International emphasized in its statement that the delay in allowing rescue teams access may have contributed to Amal Khalil's death.

Israel's Response and Call for Independent Investigation

The Israeli military gave only a brief response to HRW's inquiry about the incident. According to this response, a preliminary investigation determined that the journalist was killed during a "series of events" in which two Hezbollah fighters were also killed, and that the military continues to investigate the incident. HRW, on the other hand, demanded a fully independent investigation and accountability for any potential violations of international humanitarian law.

Israeli forces have faced serious allegations regarding the deaths of journalists during the conflict in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has accused Israel of, among other things, a "long-standing, documented practice" of labeling journalists as terrorists without providing credible evidence. This latest report further intensifies international pressure for transparency and respect for the protection of journalists in conflict zones.