With the outbreak of the war on Lebanon on October 8, 2023, Lebanese journalists found themselves facing unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by direct targeting and increasing violations by the Israeli army, which did not hesitate to bomb their locations and places of residence despite clear signs identifying them as journalists.

Journalists have become direct targets of bombing and lethal attacks by the Israeli army, which employs excessive force and internationally banned weapons. At the outset of the war, the army clearly stated that it could not guarantee the safety of journalists, posing a direct threat to the lives of both civilians and journalists in conflict zones. This reflects a blatant disregard for international standards that protect their rights.

This war has not only stripped journalists of their security but has also hindered their ability to access information and convey facts to the local and international audiences.

This report aims to highlight the increasing violations faced by journalists and the impact of these assaults on their freedom and their ability to practice their profession under difficult and complex circumstances. In addition to external assaults, journalists also face internal pressures and harassment that threaten press freedom, placing them in a critical position between their professional responsibilities and personal danger.

In this context, Maharat Foundation documents the experiences of journalists during the war, presenting details of the suffering endured by these individuals who are now paying the price for their commitment to conveying the truth. The report provides an overview of the field and legal obstacles that hinder journalists' roles in promoting transparency and disseminating reliable information, concluding with practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection of journalists and ensuring accountability for crimes targeting them.

What the media in Lebanon is experiencing at this critical stage calls for an effective display of solidarity from the international community. This includes the enforcement of international legal mechanisms and a cessation of the policy of impunity, which would empower journalists to effectively convey the truth and hold perpetrators accountable.

To check this report out:

A War Without Red Lines: Threats and Risks Facing Journalists in Lebanon