Lebanese photojournalist survives drone strike while veteran colleague dies in rubble

Zeinab Faraj survived a second missile strike in southern Lebanon on April 22, 2026, but her colleague, veteran reporter Amal Khalil, died in the rubble. The attack occurred in the village of al-Tiri, a location near the city where Faraj was born. Khalil, 42, is believed to have passed away approximately one hour before paramedics were permitted to re-enter the area to extract Faraj.

The two women were documenting the aftermath of a month-long aerial campaign that had demolished many villages in the south. They were traveling with Ali Nabil Bazzi and Mohammed Hourani, who were returning from a hospital in Tebnine. The group was struck by a missile that set their vehicle on fire. Faraj described hearing Khalil scream and seeing the car ahead engulfed in flames before realizing the extent of the injuries.

Drones circled the group as they attempted to contact emergency services. Paramedics instructed the women to drive away because ambulances were blocked, but a second missile struck their vehicle while they were attempting to enter it. The impact threw both women backward. Khalil wrapped her arms around Faraj as the drone continued to circle overhead. Khalil reportedly expressed hope that the drone would believe they were already dead.

Seeking shelter in a nearby house, the women sat on a bathroom floor. Khalil had visible blood on her face, hand, and leg, and could not move. Faraj sent a final message to her sister stating there was no hope left before her phone died. A drone descended low toward Faraj, causing her to retreat inside the building. She later described feeling detached and alone before the sound of the second missile impact.

Faraj woke to find herself trapped under rubble. A paramedic reached her and held her by the shoulders while a second worker cleared the debris. As drones returned, the team pulled Faraj free. She heard a stun grenade drop during the extraction. In the ambulance, she repeatedly mistook the vehicle's sounds for drones, fearing another strike was imminent.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Faraj inquired about Khalil's condition. Nurses initially offered reassurance but eventually fell silent, confirming Khalil's death. The Israeli military stated the attack targeted saboteurs violating the ceasefire. Human rights groups characterized the strike as a war crime. Military officials had previously labeled Khalil's media work as terrorist media and she had received death threats from Israeli phone numbers.

Faraj is now preparing to return to university to finish her degree in radio and television. She continues to struggle with mobility issues, including a limp and limited movement in one eyebrow. Her face and hands bear visible injuries, while other wounds are concealed by her clothing. She reports waking at night screaming and feeling anxious when hearing aircraft sounds. The image of Hourani, who died in the first strike, remains a persistent visual for Faraj.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of journalists operating in ceasefire zones. Faraj had no prior sense of fear during the trip, citing the importance of documenting gunfire and artillery. The gap between the initial rescue and the confirmation of Khalil's death created a one-hour window where Faraj believed she might also be dead. Her survival has left her with physical and psychological challenges that affect her daily movement and sleep.