Amal Khalil: a fearless journalist and compassionate animal rescuer, remembered as a true warrior

Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil was killed in southern Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border hostilities involving Israeli forces, according to local media and initial reports.

Khalil was known not only for her journalism but also for her efforts to rescue and care for animals in conflict-affected areas, a role that had earned her recognition within local communities.

Early accounts suggest the incident occurred during heightened military activity along the لبنان–Israel border, though the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear and are under investigation.

Lebanese officials and media organizations have condemned the killing, calling for an independent inquiry and accountability. There has been no immediate detailed response from Israel regarding the specific incident.

The journalist was last heard from at about 4:10pm local time (13:10 GMT), when she called her family members and the Lebanese military, according to colleagues and media reports.

She had taken cover inside the house after an earlier Israeli air raid killed two people near the car in which she was travelling with Faraj.

Rescue workers initially tried to reach the veteran Al Akhbar journalist, but came under Israeli fire and were forced to withdraw, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

A second strike then hit the house where the two journalists had sought refuge. Khalil’s body was recovered shortly before midnight, more than seven hours after the attack.

Khalil was killed in what Lebanese officials described as a “double-tap” strike in al-Tayri.

The development comes amid continued tensions along the border, where exchanges of fire have raised concerns over the safety of civilians and journalists operating in the area.