3 journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanese city of Jezzine

BEIRUT, Lebanon

Three journalists were killed on Saturday when an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle they were traveling in near the city of Jezzine in southern Lebanon, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

The deceased include Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shuaib, Al-Mayadeen correspondent Fatima Fatouni, and a cameraman.

In a statement, the Israeli army admitted the killing of Ali Shuaib, but did not comment on the death of the other two journalists.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack constitutes a "blatant crime that violates all norms" and called on international bodies to take action.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the attack, urging respect for international law, according to the National News Agency.

Separately, the Syndicate of Workers in Visual and Audio Media in Lebanon said: "Targeting journalists in the field is a blatant attack on press freedom and a transparent attempt to silence free voices and obscure the serious human rights violations taking place."

"This crime not only targets specific individuals but also the entire media community and all those who strive to reveal the truth to the public," it added in a statement.

In a news conference, Information Minister Paul Morcos said that Lebanon is preparing to file a complaint with the UN Security Council over the attack.

Earlier, the National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a car on the Al-Barad road in Jezzine, without providing further details.

Since dawn on Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes and artillery attacks on 42 towns, cities, and areas in Lebanon, most of them in the south, according to the news agency.

The Israeli offensive against Lebanon, which began on March 2, has resulted in 1,142 deaths and 3,315 injuries, according to the latest figures from the Lebanese Health Ministry.

*Writing by Rasa Evrensel in Istanbul