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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Air India Express to operate flights from Mangaluru to Sharjah, Delhi
Mangaluru: Air India Express has announced in a press release that it will operate two-way flights between Mangaluru and Sharjah on daily basis, from March 16 to 28, given the current geopolitical situation in West Asia.
It said that the Mangaluru-Sharjah flight (IX 6057) will depart from Mangaluru at 1:25 pm and reach Sharjah at 4:05 pm. During the return journey, the flight will leave Sharjah at 5:05 pm and reach Mangaluru at 10:30 pm.
The airlines company said further that the flight from Mangaluru to Delhi (IX 1992) will leave Mangaluru at 9:30 am on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays and reach Delhi at 12:25 pm. It will depart from Delhi on the said days of the week at 5:15 am and reach Mangaluru at 8:30 am.
It added that the timing applies for Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays from March 16 till 25.
Air India Express added that, for the other days of the week, the Mangaluru flight (IX 1276) will depart at 8:30 am and reach Delhi at 11:45 am. It will depart at 5:00 am from Delhi and reach Mangaluru at 8:00 am.
