US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Thursday (7/12), welcomed Israel’s investigation into the attack that killed a journalist and injured six others in southern Lebanon on October 13.
“It is important and appropriate to investigate this matter fully and thoroughly. “My understanding is that Israel has initiated such an investigation, and it is important to see that investigation reach a conclusion and see the results,” he said when asked about the probe, at a joint press conference with his British counterpart, David Cameron.
An investigation by Agence France-Presse published on Thursday (7/12) into the attack, which killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and wounded six others, including two from AFP, showed that tank shells were only used by the Israeli army in the border area. has this high tension.
AFP photographer Christina Assi, 28, had her leg amputated and is still in hospital.
Conducted in conjunction with Airwars, an NGO that investigates attacks on civilians in conflict situations, the investigation found that the attacks involved 120 mm shells that are only used by Israeli army tanks in the region.
Evidence was found that the attack likely came from the southeast near the Israeli village of Jordeikh, where Israeli tanks were operating.
“I have great admiration for the men and women in your profession who, every day around the world, in the most dangerous places on earth, try to convey facts and stories to other people,” Blinken said.
Cameron also underlined the important role of journalists, especially those working in conflict zones.
“It’s very important that you have independent, impartial and professional journalists covering these conflicts,” he said.
“And this is a very difficult job, a very brave job and my condolences from me and everyone in the UK for the loss of life,” he added. (ns/rs)