Israeli shelling on Lebanon border kills Reuters journalist, wounds 6 others

A Reuters journalist of the Lebanese nationality was killed when an Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border in south Lebanon on Friday. Six other journalists were wounded.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," Reuters said, adding that, he "was part of a Reuters crew in southern Lebanon."

Some of the wounded journalists were rushed to hospitals in ambulances, The Associated Press' correspondent said. Images from the scene showed a burning press vehicle.

Reuters said that two of its journalists, Thaer al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling in the border area.

Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV, said two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, also were among the wounded.

“We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues,” Reuters said. “Our deepest condolences go out to those affected, and our thoughts are with their families at this terrible time.”

The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israeli troops and members of Hezbollah.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing sporadic acts of violence since Saturday’s attack by the militant Palestinian group Hamas on southern Israel.

Journalists from around the world have been coming to Lebanon out of concern that war might break out between Hezbollah and Israel.