BEIRUT, (PIC)
Reports from Israeli media and field testimonies have revealed widespread looting by Israeli occupation forces during operations in southern Lebanon, as outrage grows over the assassination of a Lebanese journalist in the same region.
According to accounts published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, soldiers and officers involved in ground operations in southern Lebanon said both regular and reserve troops have been systematically looting civilian property from homes and shops. Items reportedly taken include motorcycles, televisions, artwork, furniture, and carpets.
Soldiers described the looting as widespread and routine, with both junior and senior officers aware of the practice but largely failing to stop it. Some testimonies indicated that troops openly transported stolen goods in military vehicles without attempting to conceal them.
While Israeli occupation forces claimed it takes disciplinary and criminal action when necessary and conducts inspections at border crossings, reports indicated that some military police checkpoints meant to prevent looting have been removed or are no longer operational.
According to soldiers cited in the report, enforcement is virtually nonexistent, and the lack of accountability has effectively normalized the practice. Some officers reportedly condemn the behavior verbally but refrain from punishing those involved.
Observers link the expansion of looting to the nature of operations in southern Lebanon, where troops often remain for extended periods in abandoned civilian areas with limited active combat, creating conditions for such abuses to spread.
The reports have reignited concerns over patterns of conduct by Israeli forces in conflict zones, particularly in light of documented practices in previous wars, including the genocide in Gaza.
Journalist assassinated in southern Lebanon
In a separate development, Ali Baraka, head of national relations for Hamas abroad, condemned the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in the town of Tayri in southern Lebanon.
Khalil was martyred in what Baraka described as a targeted attack by Israeli forces, while her colleague Zeinab Faraj was injured.
Baraka said the deliberate targeting of journalists constitutes a “full-fledged war crime” and reflects what he described as a systematic attempt to silence independent reporting and prevent exposure of violations.
He noted that the incident occurred in an area where United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops are deployed, calling it evidence of disregard for international law and norms.
Baraka held Israel fully responsible for the incident and called on the United Nations, human rights organizations, and international media bodies to take urgent action to ensure accountability and provide protection for journalists in conflict zones.
He also expressed condolences to Khalil’s family and wished a speedy recovery to Faraj, stressing that such attacks would not silence voices in Lebanon.
The developments highlight growing concerns over both the conduct of Israel’s military operations and the safety of civilians and journalists amid ongoing escalation in southern Lebanon.
