An Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon has killed three journalists and a paramedic, according to local reports, intensifying concerns about the safety of media workers in conflict zones.

Among those killed was Ali Shoeib, a reporter for Al Manar TV, along with two journalists from Al Mayadin, identified as Fatima and Mohamed Fetoni. The strike reportedly hit a clearly marked press vehicle in the town of Jezzine, also wounding several other journalists.

Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, calling it a “blatant crime” and a violation of international law, which provides protections for journalists operating in war zones.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed carrying out a strike that killed Shoeib but alleged he was a member of Hezbollah posing as a journalist—an accusation that has not been independently verified.

The incident follows another recent strike in which Lebanese presenter Mohammad Sherri and his wife were killed, adding to growing allegations that journalists are being targeted in the conflict. Israel has consistently denied deliberately targeting civilians or media personnel.

According to reports, more than 1,100 civilians—including children and paramedics—have been killed in Israeli air strikes across Lebanon since the escalation began.

The developments come amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and its allies, with fears mounting that the conflict could widen further across the Middle East.

India’s parliament has passed a controversial bill amending transgender rights legislation, triggering protests from opposition parties and LGBTQ advocates who say it undermines the right to self-identify.

The bill, which updates the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, now awaits approval from the president before becoming law.

Government officials argue the changes will improve access to welfare programmes and strengthen protections against exploitation and trafficking. However, critics warn the new framework could exclude large sections of the transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid community.

A key shift in the legislation concerns how transgender identity is defined. While a landmark 2014 ruling by the Supreme Court of India recognised transgender people as a “third gender” and affirmed their right to self-identify, the new bill moves away from that principle.

Instead, it introduces a narrower definition based on biological or physical characteristics. It also requires certification from medical boards and local authorities, particularly for individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures.

The government maintains that the current definition is too broad, making it difficult to ensure that welfare benefits—such as healthcare support and job reservations—reach the most marginalised individuals. Officials say the revised criteria are designed to protect those facing “extreme and oppressive” discrimination.

Activists, however, argue the changes could fundamentally reshape legal recognition in a restrictive way. They say many transgender people—especially those who rely on self-identification rather than medical or legal certification—risk being excluded from official recognition and support systems.

India is estimated to have around two million transgender people, though advocacy groups believe the actual number is higher. Despite existing legal protections, many continue to face discrimination and barriers to education, healthcare, and employment.

The passage of the bill has intensified debate over how best to balance administrative clarity with individual rights, with critics urging authorities to reconsider provisions they say could reverse progress made over the past decade.

Israel has said it killed Alireza Tangsiri, the head of the naval arm of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a strike tied to escalating tensions in the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Tangsiri was “directly responsible” for actions involving the disruption and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. He added that several other senior naval officials were also killed in the operation.

There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Iran regarding the claim.

Tangsiri had served as commander of the IRGC Navy since 2018, after previously holding the role of deputy commander for nearly a decade. Known for his hardline stance, he had frequently issued warnings against both Israel and the United States.

In past statements, including remarks made in 2019, Tangsiri had threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Iran’s oil exports were restricted—an action that could significantly disrupt global energy markets.

He was also among several IRGC figures sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2019 following the downing of an American surveillance drone near the strait.

The reported killing, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the already volatile standoff affecting one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.