In a statement issued on Thursday, the experts condemned the killing, calling it part of a "dangerous pattern" of targeting media workers and subsequently alleging links to armed groups without credible evidence.

The journalists, Ali Shoeib of Al Manar TV, and Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, were killed on March 28 in targeted strikes on their vehicle in Jezzine, Lebanon, while on assignment.

"Journalists carrying out their professional duties in armed conflict are civilians and must not be targeted," the experts said, adding that the deliberate killing of journalists not directly participating in hostilities constitutes a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, and may amount to a war crime.

They also criticised the evidence presented by Israel, stating that the only material produced so far was a reportedly photoshopped image, which they said undermines the credibility of the claims.

The experts emphasised that working for or reporting on media outlets linked to armed groups does not, by itself, amount to direct participation in hostilities under international humanitarian law. They warned that repeated incidents, coupled with a lack of accountability, risk creating a climate of impunity.

According to the statement, at least 259 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israel since 2023, including 210 in Gaza and 14 in Lebanon, with at least 64 believed to have been directly targeted.

Calling for global action, the experts urged states that advocate press freedom to speak out and pressure Israel to halt what they described as smear campaigns and targeted killings of journalists.

They also called on the Lebanese government to preserve evidence and invite an independent international investigation into the killings, stressing the need for accountability, justice, and reparations for victims' families.

The experts said they remain in contact with Israeli authorities regarding the matter.