On Tuesday, Lebanon’s explosive pager incident shocked the world. When pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded, killing at least nine people and wounding over 2,800 others. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed the casualties, which included two Hezbollah members and a young girl. This incident is being blamed on Israel, although no official comment has been made by Israeli authorities.
Explosives Added to Lebanon’s Pagers
According to reports from Lebanese sources and Reuters, small amounts of explosives were inserted into the pagers. The pagers, manufactured by Gold Apollo in Taiwan, were part of an order of 5,000 delivered to Hezbollah in the spring. The explosive charge was reported to be as little as three grams, though other sources suggested the amount could have been between one and two ounces. Lebanon’s security services are now warning citizens not to use any pagers they might own. As more devices could potentially explode.
Lebanon’s Streets in Chaos
The Lebanese Red Cross issued urgent appeals for blood donors and for physicians and nurses to report to hospitals as ambulances raced through the streets. The explosion’s toll is one of the most significant security breaches Hezbollah has suffered. Since its ongoing war with Israel began nearly a year ago.
Iran’s state media reported that Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, was among those injured in the blast. Hezbollah officials quickly blamed Israel for the attack. By adding another layer of tension to the already fraught conflict.
Israel’s Intelligence Success?
Israeli analysts hailed the attack as a major intelligence coup for the country. They claim the explosions demonstrate Israel’s sophisticated capabilities in targeting Hezbollah. The attack came amid rising tensions. As Hezbollah has been using pagers to avoid Israel’s tracking of cell phones. Lebanese reports indicate the pagers had only been distributed to Hezbollah operatives in recent months.
Rising Tensions Along Lebanon’s Border
The explosive pager incident heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Lebanon’s local officials in southern region, near the Israeli border, advised residents to stay close to bomb shelters in case Hezbollah launched a retaliatory attack.
Earlier in the day, Israel announced the expansion of its military operations in Gaza. One of the goals is to allow residents in northern Israel to return to their homes, which they fled due to ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. Over 100,000 people have already evacuated the Lebanese side of the border due to the conflict.
Shift in Focus to Lebanon
The focus seems to be moving northward, even though the majority of the combat has been centred on Gaza. Hamas has reported over 41,000 deaths including 17,000 fighters. Some Israeli officials have called for a ground campaign to push Hezbollah further back from the border. They are hoping to stabilise the region and enable Israeli citizens to return home.
Hezbollah has declared that in the event that Israel and Hamas reached a cease-fire, it will stop attacking. Despite the talks mediated by international players like Qatar, a deal remains elusive.
Qatar’s Efforts to Reach a Ceasefire
Majed al Ansari, the foreign minister of Qatar, voiced cautious confidence regarding the likelihood of a truce. “We remain hopeful at every turn regarding the likelihood of a deal closing anytime soon,” he stated. “We are making every effort to communicate as much as we can at this time.” Despite continued efforts, the positions of both Israel and Hamas have hardened in recent weeks. By making the prospects for peace uncertain.
A New Phase of Conflict
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, both sides brace for further escalation. Israel’s intelligence victory may have temporarily set Hezbollah back. But the aftermath could draw both countries deeper into a prolonged and more violent confrontation. For now, the Lebanon’s public and Hezbollah supporters are left reeling from the devastation caused by the explosive pagers. While fears of retaliation and broader conflict loom large.