Israel Challenges Investigation Of Killed Reuters Cameramen And Injures 6 Journalists In Lebanon

JAKARTA - Members of the US Parliament from the Democratic Party have called for the Israeli and US Governments to thoroughly investigate the deaths of journalists in southern Lebanon as a result of the Israeli military's deadly airstrikes by 2023.

The Israeli airstrike, which was launched on October 13, 2023, killed Reuters cameraman Issam Abdallah, and injured six other journalists, including two of AFP video journalist Dylan Collins and photographer Christina Assi, who lost her leg.

"We expect the Israeli government to carry out an investigation that meets international standards and to hold the persons who did this accountable," US Senator Peter Welch said at a press conference with Collins on Thursday local time, quoted from AP.

The lawmaker from the state of Collins, Vermont has been urging an answer from the US Government for two years since the Joe Biden era until now led by Republican politician Donald Trump.

But Welch said the Israeli government had "blocked every step" in this regard.

"With the Israeli government, we have been very patient, and we have done everything natural to get answers and accountability," he said.

"IDF is not at all trying to seriously investigate this incident," Welch added.

Collins also called for Washington to openly recognize responsibility for the attacks that left a US citizen injured.

"But I also want them to pressure their biggest ally in the Middle East, the Israeli government, to hold the perpetrators accountable," he said.

He also confirmed the statements of US lawmakers calling Israel's military offensive in 2023 in southern Lebanon a "war crime".

"We're not going to let it go," said member of the Vermont Congress, Maria Balint.

"No matter how long they block us," he continued.