The strikes were part of "Operation True Promise II," launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on October 1, in retaliation for the assassination of senior figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC.

Loffredo’s video report, published on the YouTube channel of The Grayzone, revealed that Israeli authorities had concealed the extent of the destruction inflicted by the missile strikes. The report documented damage near sensitive areas, including locations close to the Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, information previously undisclosed by Israeli officials.

The report, which gained widespread attention, prompted Israeli forces to detain Loffredo. His editor, Max Blumenthal, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, stating that Loffredo remains in custody, and his phone has been confiscated.

Blumenthal’s statement came after a social media post from Russian journalist Andrey X, who reported being beaten, blindfolded, and detained by Israeli forces alongside other journalists. Andrey X and two other journalists were released after hours of detention, but Loffredo is still being held.

Israel's actions against journalists have intensified since its military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023, with over 150 journalists killed and dozens detained. Loffredo’s arrest highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in the region amidst escalating tensions. (ILKHA)