Southern Lebanon Ignites Again .. Casualties and Targeting of Two Female Journalists Amid Israeli Airstrikes

Casualty Toll from Israeli Airstrikes on Southern and Eastern Lebanon

According to the National News Agency and the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the Israeli airstrikes resulted in the death of four people in an initial toll, including two fatalities in the town of Yahr, in the Bekaa Valley, and two in the town of Tayr, near the southern border.

In a later account reported by official media sources, the death toll rose to five people due to the widening scope of the bombardment and updates in the field tally.

Israeli Army Announces Targeting of "Militants" Near Its Forces

The Israeli army announced that it killed two individuals described as "saboteurs," confirming that they crossed the front defense line and approached its forces in what was considered a "immediate threat."

The army added that the operations were part of a response to field movements it claimed violated the ceasefire arrangements.

Injury of Two Lebanese Journalists and One Missing in Tayr

The town of Tayr witnessed a serious incident during the airstrikes, where two Lebanese journalists were injured while they were in the area.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, one of the journalists was taken to the hospital for treatment, while contact was lost with her colleague amid reports of her being trapped inside a site that was bombed.

It was revealed that the two journalists had sought refuge in a house in the town after an initial airstrike targeted a vehicle in the area, resulting in the death of two individuals.

Complex Rescue Operations and Field Risks Hinder Access

A source in the Lebanese Red Cross reported that rescue teams managed to save journalist Zainab Faraj, but could not initially reach journalist Amal Khalil due to ongoing bombardment and the withdrawal of teams under the threat of a warning strike.

The Ministry of Health also mentioned that Israeli forces targeted an ambulance with a sound bomb and gunfire, hindering the evacuation process.

Later, accompanied by the Lebanese army and a bulldozer to clear the rubble, rescue teams were able to enter the area to search for the missing journalist after coordinating with UN forces and the ceasefire mechanism.

Announcement of Journalist Amal Khalil's Death After Search Operations

In a later development, the Lebanese Civil Defense announced the discovery of the body of journalist Amal Khalil, who was killed as a result of an airstrike that targeted the house she sought refuge in the town of Tayr.

The statement indicated that search and rescue teams worked for long hours before retrieving the body from under the rubble.

Official Lebanese Positions and International Follow-up on the Incident

The Lebanese president followed the details of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the detention of the journalists, according to an official statement from the presidency.

The Lebanese Minister of Information also wrote on the platform "X" that communications are ongoing with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese army to monitor developments.

Hezbollah Announces Targeting of Israeli Sites and Vehicles

In contrast, Hezbollah announced in various statements the targeting of an Israeli military vehicle of the Hummer type and gatherings of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, in addition to downing Israeli reconnaissance aircraft in various areas.

Summary: Ongoing Escalation Despite Ceasefire and Deteriorating Field Situation

The events in southern Lebanon reflect the continuation of military tension and escalation despite the declared ceasefire, with increasing risks to civilians and media workers, and complicating relief operations due to ongoing airstrikes and mutual military movements.