In a troubling turn of events, two Belgian reporters found themselves injured in Lebanon amidst ongoing military exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. Their employer, VTM, confirmed the incident as violence erupted in Beirut due to airstrikes during the night.
The VTM correspondent, Robin Ramaekers, sustained facial injuries, while his colleague, cameraman Stijn De Smet, required medical attention for a gunshot wound to his leg, as outlined in a statement from DPG Media, the broadcast network’s parent company.
“Just last night, central Beirut was rocked by bombs. In their attempt to cover the story, Robin and Stijn were injured,” the company disclosed, noting that both journalists are now receiving care at a hospital.
“They are currently safe and in the hands of medical professionals,” the release emphasized, attempting to reassure the public about their well-being.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is keeping a watchful eye on the evolving situation, expressing concern over the violence.
“Glad to hear that my friend Stijn De Smet is on the mend after sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg while reporting from Beirut for Belgian channel VTM,” stated Paul Cunningham, a seasoned journalist at @RTENews. “He has been part of @rtenews for numerous years, including during his time covering the crisis in Ukraine back in February 2014.” pic.twitter.com/Iilo9DfuPC
— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) October 3, 2024
According to reports, Israel has ramped up its bombing operations against Hezbollah, targeting various locations across Lebanon and even deploying ground troops across the border.
By dawn, Israeli military forces had launched a staggering series of 17 airstrikes on Beirut, as reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency. One significant strike reportedly targeted a Hezbollah rescue facility, leading to the tragic deaths of at least six individuals, as confirmed by sources from the local health ministry.
Israel claims its military actions aim to fortify its northern border, allowing for the safe return of tens of thousands of Israeli citizens who have been displaced due to nearly a year of escalating conflicts with Hezbollah.
The onslaught has led to a catastrophic loss of life in Lebanon, with reports indicating over 1,000 fatalities and the untimely passing of Hezbollah’s long-serving leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Current estimates suggest that nearly a million people have fled their homes in search of safety.
In a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones, last year saw the tragic death of one reporter, along with six others, including two from the AFP news agency, who suffered injuries due to Israeli shelling while documenting the skirmishes in southern Lebanon.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
