A British journalist and his cameraman narrowly survived an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon after a rocket exploded just metres from where they were covering the conflict.
Steven Sweeney and cameraman Ali Rida were reporting from the area when footage captured the dramatic moment an explosion hit what appeared to be an empty road directly behind them.
In the video, Sweeney is seen wearing a flak jacket clearly marked “PRESS” as he reports for Russian state media outlet RT.
The incident sparked swift condemnation from critics, with some accusing Israel’s military of deliberately targeting journalists.
However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) defended the strike, stating that it had targeted crossings along the Litani River allegedly used by Hezbollah.
“Prior to the strikes, warnings were published to ensure that civilians distance themselves from the crossings, in order to reduce civilian harm. In footage released in the past few hours, a journalist is seen at the ‘Qasmiya’ crossing. An explicit warning had been issued regarding this area,” the IDF said.
“The crossing was struck after sufficient time had passed since warnings. The crossing was again targeted today at 12:30. The IDF calls on residents of Lebanon to heed the warnings published on various platforms,” it added, maintaining that it does not target civilians or journalists.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, dismissed the explanation, saying the strike “cannot be described as accidental.”
Targeting journalists in conflict zones is considered a war crime under international law, and human rights groups have previously accused Israel of similar actions in Gaza.
In the UK, Birmingham Perry Barr independent MP Ayoub Khan also weighed in, describing the incident as a “clear attempt” on the journalists’ lives.
Watch the video.
