Information Minister Paul Morcos said Israeli attacks targeting journalists in Lebanon constitute a "flagrant violation of the most basic rules of international humanitarian law," following the killing of cameraman Hussein Hammoud of Al-Manar TV.
Morcos extended condolences to Hammoud’s family and the broader media community, stressing that such attacks clearly breach the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, which he said have become binding customary international law regardless of formal ratification.
The Minister said the repeated targeting of journalists, alongside medical and emergency personnel, reflects ongoing violations even of the basic rules governing armed conflict.
"Protecting journalists is not limited to sparing them from attacks, but also includes ensuring their safety and full protection while carrying out their duties," he added.
Morcos said the Ministry of Information is working to verify facts on the ground to enable more effective engagement with relevant international bodies, noting that he is in direct contact with reporters and photographers affected by Israeli attacks.
The Minister further revealed that his meeting with UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert forms part of efforts to accurately document violations and present them internationally.
The minister also stressed that while the ministry plays a central role in monitoring, documentation, communication and coordination, it does not hold judicial or enforcement powers, with legal accountability falling under the judiciary.
Moreover, Morcos said the government is closely monitoring daily developments, humanitarian, economic and security-related, particularly as displacement has exceeded one million people.
Morcos also underscored the importance of modernizing media legislation, noting that a new media law, aimed at keeping pace with developments while safeguarding freedom of expression and combating hate speech, is currently under consideration by parliament.
Morcos extended condolences to Hammoud’s family and the broader media community, stressing that such attacks clearly breach the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, which he said have become binding customary international law regardless of formal ratification.
The Minister said the repeated targeting of journalists, alongside medical and emergency personnel, reflects ongoing violations even of the basic rules governing armed conflict.
"Protecting journalists is not limited to sparing them from attacks, but also includes ensuring their safety and full protection while carrying out their duties," he added.
Morcos said the Ministry of Information is working to verify facts on the ground to enable more effective engagement with relevant international bodies, noting that he is in direct contact with reporters and photographers affected by Israeli attacks.
The Minister further revealed that his meeting with UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert forms part of efforts to accurately document violations and present them internationally.
The minister also stressed that while the ministry plays a central role in monitoring, documentation, communication and coordination, it does not hold judicial or enforcement powers, with legal accountability falling under the judiciary.
Moreover, Morcos said the government is closely monitoring daily developments, humanitarian, economic and security-related, particularly as displacement has exceeded one million people.
Morcos also underscored the importance of modernizing media legislation, noting that a new media law, aimed at keeping pace with developments while safeguarding freedom of expression and combating hate speech, is currently under consideration by parliament.
