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- Dec.
- 2023
Makary to TIB: Journalists in South Lebanon Were Assassinated
modified on 07 Oct. 2024 à 16:45 Read : 2 minute(s) A A A
Caretaker Minister of Information Ziad Makary revealed Friday that he will raise the pressing issue of journalists’ safety in southern Lebanon at an upcoming meeting with the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL), the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Red Cross.
"We have a practical meeting coming up with UNIFIL, the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Red Cross to ensure the security of the journalists who go to the South," he said in an interview with This Is Beirut.
Makary pointed out that the focus of the meeting extends beyond personal security, delving into tangible measures to safeguard journalists. He stressed “the need to establish secure routes and designated areas for journalists in the South,” scoffing at Israel’s commitment to morality and international agreements.
Makary rejected the categorization of the death of three Lebanese journalists while covering developments on the southern border as “collateral damage.”
"Our journalists were killed or assassinated. They didn't die as collateral damage," he lamented.
The slain journalists who worked for different media, including Reuters and TV channels Al Jazeera and Al Mayadeen, were targeted even though they thought they were in secure positions.
Acknowledging the harsh reality, Makary asserted, "This is why UNIFIL will be present at the meeting. We will ask them for frank and direct answers. We have to have answers for the sake of the journalists. We cannot stay in the dark."
Asked about possible discriminate targeting of specific media by Israel, Makary highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, noting that Israel “targeted Al Jazeera and (pro-Hezbollah) Al Mayadeen, as well as Reuters and AFP.”
The interview with Makary underscored the critical need for comprehensive measures to protect journalists reporting from conflict zones. The tragic incidents on the Lebanese southern border serve as a stark reminder of the perilous conditions facing those committed to bringing news to the public, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to ensure their safety.
"We have a practical meeting coming up with UNIFIL, the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Red Cross to ensure the security of the journalists who go to the South," he said in an interview with This Is Beirut.
Makary pointed out that the focus of the meeting extends beyond personal security, delving into tangible measures to safeguard journalists. He stressed “the need to establish secure routes and designated areas for journalists in the South,” scoffing at Israel’s commitment to morality and international agreements.
Makary rejected the categorization of the death of three Lebanese journalists while covering developments on the southern border as “collateral damage.”
"Our journalists were killed or assassinated. They didn't die as collateral damage," he lamented.
The slain journalists who worked for different media, including Reuters and TV channels Al Jazeera and Al Mayadeen, were targeted even though they thought they were in secure positions.
Acknowledging the harsh reality, Makary asserted, "This is why UNIFIL will be present at the meeting. We will ask them for frank and direct answers. We have to have answers for the sake of the journalists. We cannot stay in the dark."
Asked about possible discriminate targeting of specific media by Israel, Makary highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, noting that Israel “targeted Al Jazeera and (pro-Hezbollah) Al Mayadeen, as well as Reuters and AFP.”
The interview with Makary underscored the critical need for comprehensive measures to protect journalists reporting from conflict zones. The tragic incidents on the Lebanese southern border serve as a stark reminder of the perilous conditions facing those committed to bringing news to the public, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to ensure their safety.
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