Paris: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Sunday denounced the killing of three journalists in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, noting that targeting journalists would be a violation of international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot emphasized the importance of protecting journalists in conflict zones during an interview with broadcaster France 3. He stated that targeting journalists, even if they have connections to parties involved in the conflict, constitutes a breach of international legal standards.

The incident occurred on Saturday when an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle near the city of Jezzine in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of three journalists. The Israeli army has acknowledged the killing of one journalist, Ali Shuaib, but has not commented on the deaths of the other two journalists involved.

The situation has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and protection of journalists operating in war-torn regions.