Deadly Pager Blasts in Lebanon: Tensions Rise as Hezbollah Blames Israel
Staff Editor Deadly Pager Explosions in Lebanon Escalate Tensions with Israel
Nine people, including a child, were killed and approximately 2,800 injured in a series of explosions involving handheld pagers across Lebanon on Tuesday. The incident, which also left Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon slightly wounded, has heightened tensions in the region.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, claims the pagers belonged to its members and has accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks. The Israeli military has not commented on the allegations.
The explosions occurred in Beirut and other areas, causing widespread panic. CCTV footage from a supermarket shows one such explosion, resulting in chaos and injuries. Hospitals in affected areas are reportedly overwhelmed with casualties, many in critical condition. Injuries predominantly affect the waist, face, eyes, and hands of victims.
This incident comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with frequent border exchanges since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hezbollah, which supports Hamas, is considered a terrorist organization by several countries.
In response to the explosions, Hezbollah has vowed retribution against Israel. The Lebanese Prime Minister and Iranian Foreign Minister have also pointed fingers at Israel, while the United States has denied involvement and urged Iran not to escalate tensions.
The exact cause of the pager explosions remains unclear. Speculations range from overheating lithium-ion batteries to potential hacking, with some experts suggesting the use of military-grade explosives.
Analysts warn that this incident may increase pressure on Hezbollah to retaliate. The Israeli military maintains readiness, although no changes in public defensive guidelines have been announced.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the volatile situation in Lebanon. As the broader conflict continues, Israel’s security cabinet is prioritizing the return of displaced residents, while the Israeli Defence Minister emphasizes military action as a solution.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, with casualty figures continuing to rise on both sides. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions in this volatile region.
