US supports ‘thorough investigation’ after strike killing journalist in Lebanon

Two investigations published by Agence France-Presse and Reuters point to Israel as responsible for this strike, which also injured six other journalists, on October 13.

Shedding light on this matter. The United States believes “important and appropriate” that Israel leads “a complete and thorough investigation” on the bombing which killed a Reuters journalist, and injured six of his colleagues, on October 13 in southern Lebanon, declared American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during a press conference, Thursday 7 December.

Issam Abdallah, 37, was killed in the strike, which injured two other Reuters journalists, two from Al-Jazeera and two from AFP. Photographer Christina Assi, 28, seriously injured, suffered an amputation of her right leg and remains hospitalized. These reporters had come to cover cross-border clashes between the Israeli army and armed groups in southern Lebanon, where the international community is worried about the risk of extension of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, supported by Lebanese Hezbollah.

Investigations point to Israel

Two investigations, published Thursday by Agence France-Presse and Reuters, identified an Israeli tank as responsible for the shelling. “I understand that Israel has initiated such an investigation and it will be important to see this investigation succeed and know the results”said the head of American diplomacy Anthony Blinken, questioned during a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Cameron.

British Foreign Minister David Cameron, also present at this conference, presented his “condolences” to the victims and insisted on the importance of the work of journalists, particularly in conflict zones. “It is absolutely essential that independent and impartial professional journalists cover these conflicts. It is incredibly difficult, incredibly courageous work.”said the former British Prime Minister.