Pagers belonging to Hizbollah members exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 2,700. The explosions occurred in various areas, including Beirut, Tyre, and Hermel, as well as in parts of Syria. Social media images showed people with injuries being taken to hospitals.
Iran-backed Hizbollah, the main force in Lebanon, accused Israel of a “criminal attack.” Israel’s military did not comment, but tensions between the two groups are expected to rise due to the incident.
The UN expressed concerns over the escalation and urged both parties to avoid further actions that could lead to a wider conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held security consultations following the blasts.
Hizbollah reported that many pagers belonging to its members exploded. Nine people, including a child, were killed, and over 2,700 were injured. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut was among the injured.
After the attack, Gold Apollo Systems denied making the pagers used in the explosion. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs also stated they had no record of direct shipments to Lebanon.
The US denied prior knowledge of the attack and its involvement. The State Department declined to comment on the perpetrators and their impact on Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Foreign airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, citing safety concerns. Hizbollah resorted to low-tech communications to avoid Israeli surveillance.
Israeli strikes have killed many in Lebanon, mainly Hizbollah fighters. Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah encouraged fighters to use pagers and other old technologies to avoid detection.
The explosions in Lebanon followed a failed assassination attempt by Hizbollah on an Israeli official. Netanyahu’s security cabinet expanded objectives against Hizbollah, raising fears of a full-scale war.
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