UNIFIL to journalists: Your work is important... stay safe!

The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Candice Ardiel, said that “journalists play a vital role in conflict zones, often at the expense of their personal safety,” noting that “recent events in southern Lebanon have shown just how dangerous this work is.”

Ardiel said, via the X platform, that she recently met with Information Minister Paul Morcos, where “ways to enhance the safety of journalists working in the south were discussed.”

She quoted the minister as saying that “eight Lebanese journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes since the beginning of March,” stressing that “journalists should not lose their lives simply for doing their job, and their political views are irrelevant; they are not legitimate targets.”

Ardiel also pointed out that “despite hopes for continued relative calm, the situation in southern Lebanon remains unpredictable, making precautions essential.”

She added: “UNIFIL can, for those who wish, notify the Lebanese and Israeli armies of journalists’ locations and their planned movements, with the aim of increasing awareness of their presence,” explaining that “this step does not provide guarantees, but it is a practical measure peacekeepers can take to help,” and calling for further details via the following link: https://unifil.unmissions.org/en/unifil-media-activity-notification-procedure.

She concluded by addressing journalists covering events on both sides of the Blue Line, saying: “Your work is important... stay safe.”