Reuters Journalist killed on Oct 13 was deliberately targeted in strikes by Israel, says RSF
Lebanon: In a recent revelation, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has claimed that a Reuters journalist, along with six other media workers, was deliberately targeted in strikes near the Israel-Lebanon border. The incident occurred during the coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel’s military and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
According to RSF's ballistic analysis, the shots were fired from the east, originating from the direction of the Israeli border.
The journalist identified as Issam Abdallah, 37, lost his life on October 13 in southern Lebanon during the attacks. RSF, known for advocating press freedom, has released a video reconstruction of the incident, describing it as a "tragedy" that resulted in the death of one journalist and injuries to several others.
Initial findings from the RSF investigation indicate that the journalists were not accidental victims. One of their vehicles, clearly marked as "press," was deliberately targeted. Witnesses confirmed that the group stationed next to the vehicle was comprised of journalists. The Israeli army, in response to allegations, expressed its regret over the incident and stated that they were "looking into it."
The RSF report highlighted that the strikes occurred within a remarkably short time frame of just over 30 seconds and from the same direction, indicating precise targeting. It is emphasized that the journalists were clearly identifiable as non-combatants. They were not hiding; instead, they had been in the open for over an hour on the top of a hill. They were equipped with helmets and bullet-proof waistcoats, both marked as "press." Additionally, their vehicle was also visibly labeled as "press," as confirmed by eyewitnesses.
This tragic incident follows previous apologies issued by Israeli officials for the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was believed to have been hit by an Israeli soldier’s bullet. Notably, Israel has chosen not to pursue charges against any individual regarding her demise.
The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on journalists, with at least 34 Palestinian journalists losing their lives in Israeli air attacks since the escalation of tensions initiated by Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7.
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Holiday turns to heartbreak: 7 years after husband's death, Thane woman loses 3 kids in road crash
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Thane (PTI): "Mom, we will be back in two or three days," were the final words three siblings uttered to their mother before leaving their residence in Diva town of Thane district for a short holiday at a relative's place.
Hours later, those words returned to haunt a devastated mother as the news of their deaths in a horrific road accident on Monday morning shattered her world forever.
The siblings, Sneha Mohape (22), Manasi (20), and their brother Prathamesh (17), were among the 11 people who were killed in a head-on collision between a van packed with passengers and a cement mixer truck on a newly constructed bridge over the Ulhas River near Raite village under Kalyan taluka.
The tragedy has wiped out the entire support system of Anjana Mohape, a single mother who had been raising her children with grit and determination since her husband's death seven years ago.
Working as a domestic help, Anjana had ensured her children pursued their education, hoping they would soon stand on their own feet and lift the family out of financial hardship.
"She lived for them. After losing her husband, these three were her only reason to keep going," said Nathu Mohape, a family member.
"They were bright children with dreams of helping their mother. Now, everything is gone in an instant," said the distraught family member.
The siblings were headed to their uncle's house in Panhe village under Murbad taluka of the district to spend their college holiday.
The accident was so severe that the van was reduced to a heap of metal, leaving no room for survival for the Mohape trio.
The last rites of the three siblings will be performed in their native village, family sources said.
While local residents rushed to the spot to initiate a rescue operation, the impact had already claimed the lives of nearly a dozen passengers.
The crash has sparked fresh outrage among locals regarding heavy vehicles on the Kalyan-Ahilyanagar National Highway.
Residents alleged that lorries, mixer and dumper trucks engaged in construction work frequently violate speed limits and safety norms on the highway.
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