In light of the massive military escalation in Lebanon on 2 March 2026, journalists are facing extreme risks from widespread Israeli air raids and a total collapse of the 2024 ceasefire. The International Federation of Journalists emphasises that “no story is worth a life” and urges extreme caution. The federation and its affiliate the Union of Journalists in Lebanon have published a safety advisory to support journalists in Lebanon in these difficult times.

The IFJ reminds that its safety advisory is guidance only, not a substitute for training or local knowledge.

The safety advisory is structured around the following key pillars:

Planning and risk assessment: Conducting thorough threat analysis, risk evaluation and security planning prior to deployment, with continuous reassessment as conditions evolve;

Communication planning: Establishing clear communication protocols, check-in schedules and emergency contact procedures to ensure rapid response in case of incident;

Equipment preparation: be appropriately equipped for the operational environment, including protective gear, first aid supplies and essential survival equipment;

Electronic and surveillance Awareness: understand the risks associated with mobile phones, satellite equipment and digital signals and take steps to minimise detectability and triangulation;

Airstrike immediate action – The “3 Second Rule”: apply immediate protective measures during aerial attacks to reduce exposure to blast and fragmentation;

Safety inside buildings: Identify structurally safer areas, avoid windows and exposed positions, and prepare improvised protective measures where necessary;

Vehicle safety: Adopt precautionary measures when travelling, avoid predictable routes or convoys and learn how to respond if a vehicle comes under attack;

Movement restrictions: Respect evacuation orders, maintain safe standoff distances from potential military targets, and avoid elevated or exposed positions;

Sniper awareness and countermeasures: Reduce exposure, avoid silhouetting, maintain spacing and seek immediate cover in the event of targeted fire;

Ground invasion indicators: Recognise warning signs of escalating military activity, including troop movements, increased bombardment or communications disruptions;

Weapons safety awareness: Understand the effective ranges of small arms, heavy weapons and indirect fire systems, and maintain maximum possible distance from areas of engagement.

These core components reinforce the IFJ’s fundamental principle that no story is worth a journalist’s life, and that safety must remain the primary consideration in all newsgathering activities.

Download the safety advisory in English and in French.