Israeli Fire Wounds 3 Journalists in Khiam as Troops Stay Put

Israeli forces opened fire on several vehicles attempting to enter a restricted area in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops remained after their ground invasion in early October.

Three journalists, including a freelance photographer for The Associated Press, reported being shot and wounded by Israeli troops while covering the return of displaced people to the town of Khiam, located about 6 kilometers from the border. The town had recently experienced intense fighting.

In response, the Israeli military issued a statement late Wednesday, stating it was unaware of any fire directed at journalists and claimed that its forces had only fired warning shots in the area.

An Israeli security official confirmed that Israeli forces remained in their positions hours after the ceasefire took effect, with plans to gradually withdraw over time. The official noted that the speed of the withdrawal and the return of Lebanese civilians would depend on the enforcement of the ceasefire agreement. This official, who requested anonymity, was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The Lebanese military advised displaced people to avoid returning to southern Lebanon’s frontline villages and towns until Israeli forces have fully withdrawn.

Upon their return, residents will face widespread destruction, with entire villages left in ruins due to the Israeli military’s actions.

According to Lebanese health officials, over 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon since the conflict began, with many of the victims being civilians. The violence has also claimed the lives of more than 70 people in Israel, over half of whom were civilians, along with numerous Israeli soldiers engaged in the fighting in southern Lebanon.