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The “embedded” status granted to international media with the Israeli army during its ground invasion of southern Lebanon, which began this month, has led to outrage among Lebanese government officials.
Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makari, sent a letter on Tuesday to several international outlets expressing “the grave concern” of the Lebanese government about the presence of journalists during Israel's recent incursions into Lebanon, condemning a breaking of international and domestic laws and the charter of ethical practices in journalism.
“While we respect and uphold the essential principles of press freedom, it is vital to emphasise that press freedom must operate within the bounds of the law and respect for territorial integrity. The practice of embedding journalists with foreign military forces during incursions into another nation’s territory raises serious legal concerns,” the letter said.
According to the NNA, the letter was sent to The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, The New York Times, the Associated Press, Fox News, Reuters and the BBC. Mr Makari denied any “attempt to curb press freedom” while stressing that the Lebanese government “retains the right to take all necessary legal actions to prevent any recurrence of such actions”.
Hezbollah, which Israel has vowed to “degrade” during its offensive in Lebanon, also issued two statements on Monday condemning the embedding and all the outlets which took part. The group described it as a “propaganda tour” which is “violating Lebanese land, sovereignty and the applicable Lebanese laws”.
“We reiterate our condemnation of this dangerous behaviour and unacceptable step, and we reiterate our demand that the competent authorities take the necessary legal and political measures,” one statements said.
The Israeli army says its ground invasion, which it claims is “limited” and is backed by Washington, is aimed at pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River, about 30km from the Lebanon-Israel border.
Since the conflict started last October, more than 2,300 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, at least half of them in the past month, since Israel started an all-out war. The fighting has also displaced an estimated 1.2 million people.
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Rating: 3/5
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When: September 16-23
Where: Insportz, Dubai
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
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Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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