Two Belgian journalists were injured in Beirut while reporting on overnight airstrikes amidst ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. VTM correspondent Robin Ramaekers sustained facial injuries, while cameraman Stijn De Smet is being treated for a leg wound, according to a statement from their employer, DPG Media.
The incident occurred when the journalists attempted to report on bombings in central Beirut. DPG Media confirmed that both journalists are currently receiving medical care in a hospital and are now in a safe location. The company stated, “Last night there was a bombing in central Beirut. When Robin and Stijn wanted to run a report on that, they got injured.”
The details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and Belgium’s foreign ministry is closely monitoring the situation.
Israeli forces have been engaged in a bombing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. Overnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted various locations in Beirut, with a total of 17 strikes reported by dawn, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA). One strike reportedly targeted a Hezbollah rescue facility, resulting in at least six fatalities, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry.
Israel asserts that the airstrikes aim to secure its border with Lebanon, allowing tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah to return home. The bombardments have had a devastating impact on Lebanon, resulting in over 1,000 casualties and the death of Hezbollah’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Additionally, authorities estimate that approximately one million people in Lebanon have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.
This incident echoes previous tragedies in the region, where journalists have faced severe risks while covering the conflict. Last year, a journalist was killed, and six others, including two from AFP, were injured due to Israeli shelling while reporting on cross-border fighting in southern Lebanon.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to evolve, the safety of journalists covering the conflict remains a pressing concern for media organizations and governments alike.
