On March 28, 2026, an Israeli strike targeted a media car near Jezzine, southern Lebanon, murdering journalist Ali Shoaib of Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV alongside journalist Fatima Ftouni of pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen TV, and her brother, freelance photojournalist Mohamad Ftouni.
According to Al-Mayadeen TV, the Lebanese journalists were en route to cover an assignment at the time of the attack. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Situation Room confirmed to CPJ it carried out the strike, saying that Shoaib (whom it referred to as Ali Hassan Shaib) was a member of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.
The last message on Shoaib’s personal Telegram channel, within an hour of his targeting, refers to shelling on the southern town of Khiam, consistent with the route the three journalists were taking.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, confirmed the targeting of the media car in a post on X, and accused Ali Shoaib of being a fighter affiliated with Hezbollah, allegations that have not been substantiated.
The Israeli military told CPJ that Shoaib had been using his journalism as a cover while conducting intelligence-gathering activities and maintaining contact with Hezbollah fighters, but it did not provide evidence to support these claims.
CPJ emailed the IDF later on March 28, requesting further information regarding the targeting and killing of all three journalists, including asking for evidence supporting the allegation that Shoaib was a combatant, and received a reply that the incident is being further investigated.
Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Morcos denounced the killing of the journalists, with president Aoun calling the attack “a blatant crime that violates all the norms and treaties under which journalists enjoy international protection in wars.”