Israel fears journalist Amal Khalil, echoing concerns over Shireen Abu Akleh

Lebanese Journalist Amal Khalil Killed in Israeli Assassination

Amal Khalil, a Lebanese journalist and co-director of Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network, was killed on April 22 by an Israeli regime operation. She was born during the early years of the last Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and spent years documenting life in the region.

Khalil received direct threats from the Israeli regime for two years, including a call from a Mossad agent who threatened to harm her if she continued reporting from the south. Despite these threats, she continued to report on assignments near strategic locations such as Bint Jbeil, where she had previously reported on key battles between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.

On April 22, Khalil was traveling in a car with freelance photographer Zeinab Farraj when a vehicle in front of them was hit by an Israeli drone. The two women sought shelter in a nearby building, but it was bombed by Israeli forces shortly after. A team from the Red Cross attempted to rescue Khalil, but they were unable to recover her due to heavy fire.

Khalil’s assassination is part of a pattern of violence against journalists and media workers in the region. Since October 2023, the number of journalist deaths in conflicts has reached its highest level on record. The Israeli regime’s targeting of Palestinian and Lebanese journalists is well-documented, with over 250 journalists killed since 2019.

The circumstances surrounding Khalil’s death are being investigated by authorities. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones.

Source: Al Jazeera