The investigation by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), summarised in a report seen by Reuters, said its personnel did not record any exchange of fire across the border between Israel and Lebanon for more than 40 minutes before the Israeli Merkava tank opened fire.
“The firing at civilians, in this instance clearly identifiable journalists, constitutes a violation of UNSCR 1701 (2006) and international law,” the Unifil report said, referring to Security Council resolution 1701.
The seven-page report dated 27 February said further: “It is assessed that there was no exchange of fire across the Blue Line at the time of the incident. The reason for the strikes on the journalists is not known.”
Under resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to bring an end to the war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, UN peacekeepers were deployed to monitor a ceasefire along the 120 km (75 mile) demarcation line, or Blue Line, between Israel and Lebanon.
As part of their mission, UN troops record violations of the ceasefire and investigate the most egregious cases.
Besides killing Abdallah, the two tank rounds also wounded six other journalists at the scene.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin March 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin March 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Tanks reach centre of Rafah as Israeli bombing increases
Israeli tanks have pushed into the centre of Rafah for the first time, as Israeli forces bombard the Gaza border city where hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering.
Pope apologises after outcry over use of homophobic slur
Pope Francis has apologised after an outcry erupted over his alleged use of a deeply offensive slur to describe the LGBT+ community during a closed-door discussion with bishops.
De Niro condemns Trump outside hush money trial
Robert De Niro turned up outside Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial along with members of Joe Biden's campaign team yesterday, as lawyers inside began their closing arguments.
Is Starmer really a socialist?
Labour leader replied instantly when asked about his beliefs
Davey makes a splash with his plans to fix sewage crisis
Lib Dems want to end Ofwat and water company bonuses
Abbott has whip restored but could still be banned
Future of MP unclear as colleagues say she is left in ‘limbo'
PM to axe 'rip-off degrees' and boost apprenticeships
Rishi Sunak is pledging to create 100,000 more apprenticeships a year by shutting down \"rip-off degrees\" as he battles to remain in No 10.
'Crack teams' will cut NHS waiting lists, vows Starmer
Cutting NHS waiting lists will be the first step in a Labour government's plan to get the health service back on its feet, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Reeves vows to bring UK a decade of national renewal
Rachel Reeves has declared she is ready to become Britain's first female chancellor as she set out Labour's stall as the party of business.
Low-paid workers promised a better deal under Labour
Labour has unveiled its first big general election offering on workers' rights, with a pledge to end discrimination on sick pay facing low-paid employees.