Yesterday UNIFIL witnessed intense firing across the Blue Line during an extended period of time and on several points. Taken as a whole, this constituted exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

Regarding Alma As Shab, we know that Israel struck a position approximately 2,5 km away from the village around 5:20 p.m. Peacekeepers a few kilometres away heard gunfire and explosions afterward.

Based on what UNIFIL was able to observe, at this stage we cannot say with certainty how a group of journalists who were covering the events were hit, and one of them killed. If the situation continues to escalate, we will most likely see more such tragedies. Any civilian loss of life is a tragedy and should be prevented at all times.

This is why we urge everyone to cease fire and allow us, as peacekeepers, to help find solutions. No one wants to see more people hurt or killed.

We continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Issam Al Abdullah. We further extend our sincere wishes and hopes for a full and swift recovery of the other journalists who were injured.