Eduardo González
The Spanish government on Thursday expressed its “strong condemnation” of the death of journalist Amal Khalil and the injuries suffered by photojournalist Zainab Faraj during an Israeli attack “while they were carrying out their reporting duties in Al-Tayri, in southern Lebanon,” as well as “the attacks against medical teams, which have hindered the rescue and evacuation of the victims.”
“The death of Amal Khalil adds to the more than 230 journalists killed in the Gaza Strip and 23 in Lebanon since the beginning of the conflict in 2013, according to the International Federation of Journalists,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement.
“The right to information is a fundamental right, essential to guaranteeing transparency, freedom of expression, and access to truthful information for all citizens,” it continued. “Attacks against journalists constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law that must not go unpunished,” the government warned, also conveying “its condolences and solidarity to the family and friends of Amal Khalil” and wishing “a speedy recovery to Zainab Faraj.”
“Spain reiterates its call to the parties to comply with the ceasefire in Lebanon and respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” the government reiterated. “According to Protocol I of the 1949 Geneva Convention, medical personnel, humanitarian workers, and journalists cannot be the target of attacks; such attacks are unjustified and unacceptable and must cease immediately,” it concluded.
Despite the ceasefire in effect, Israeli aircraft attacked on Tuesday the vehicle in which Amal Khalil, 43, a journalist for the local newspaper Al Akhbar (based in Beirut and close to Hezbollah), and photographer Zeinab Faraj were traveling. The two journalists took refuge in an apartment building, but Israeli forces also bombed the building.
Then, Israeli forces opened fire on the Red Cross ambulance that tried to reach them, so paramedics were unable to access the ruins of the house until six hours later and were only able to rescue Khalil when she was already dead. Two other unidentified people died in the attack on the building. The journalist was covering the ceasefire in the security zone established by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
“With deep sadness, we mourn the death of the martyred journalist Amal Khalil, who was attacked by the Israeli occupation army while carrying out her professional work of reporting the truth in At Tiri,” Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos stated on his Twitter account. “Attacking journalists is an atrocious crime and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and we will not remain silent,” he added.
