Reuters calls on Israel to conduct ‘transparent’ probe into killing of journalist

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni on Thursday called on the Israeli government to investigate the death of video journalist Issam Abdallah.

Abdallah, a photographer for the outlet, was killed last week during fighting in Lebanon, the outlet said. He was part of the Reuters crew that was providing a live signal and images from the ground.

In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, just hours before his death had been reported, Abdallah published a video showing plumes of smoke and loud bangs amid heavy bombing and shelling in the area.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the shell that killed Abdallah came from Israel, Galloni said, noting the Israeli authorities have said they are investigating the incident.

“Our newsroom is reporting out the details of what happened,” she said. “And so I am reiterating my call for the Israeli authorities to conduct a swift, thorough and transparent probe into what happened.”

By transparent, Galloni said she means “an investigation with clear evidence and explanation.”

“And I also reiterate my call to the IDF for clarity as to the terms of engagement for this conflict,” she said, referencing the Israel Defense Forces.