I deplore the death of Issam Abdallah. The protection of journalists as civilians is a requirement under international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in situations of conflict. I call for a full and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances of this tragedy.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Issam Abdallah worked as a videographer for the Reuters news agency. He was killed on 13 October during a shelling attack near Alma al Chaab, in southern Lebanon, while covering clashes between the Israeli Defense Force and Hezbollah. Other journalists from international news agencies and outlets were also injured at the same time.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
