Israel Accused of Detonating Hezbollah Pagers, Killing at Least 11 and Injuring Thousands

According to a Reuters report, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate after accusing Israel of detonating pagers in a series of blasts that killed at least 11 people and wounded 2,750, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s envoy to Lebanon. The pagers, used as a low-tech communication method by Hezbollah, exploded in various Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley.

Lebanese officials, including Information Minister Ziad Makary, condemned the attack, calling it an act of “Israeli aggression.” Hezbollah characterized this as the “biggest security breach” it has faced in almost a year of conflict with Israel. While Hezbollah pledged to punish Israel, the Israeli military did not comment directly, instead emphasizing continued vigilance amid ongoing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, exacerbated since the Gaza conflict began last October.

The explosions have resulted in numerous casualties, including high-ranking Hezbollah members and the son of a Lebanese parliament member. Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani was also injured. Lebanon’s health minister reported that 2,750 people were wounded, with 200 in critical condition. Reuters also mentioned the death of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike in July, underscoring the heavy toll the group has faced.

As cross-border clashes persist, Hezbollah has indicated that an end to the Gaza war could ease tensions. However, ceasefire efforts, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have yet to produce results. Reuters described the aftermath of the blasts as chaotic, with ambulances rushing to hospitals and panicked residents filling emergency rooms.

It’s reported that the United States was not made aware of the operation.

Source: Reuters.