Hezbollah Pager Explosions in Lebanon: Death Toll Rises to 12 Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
On Tuesday, a devastating series of explosions rocked Lebanon, killing 12 people and injuring thousands. The blasts were caused by pagers used by Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, which claimed Israel was responsible for planting explosives in the devices. The death toll, confirmed by Lebanon’s health minister, includes two children and four healthcare workers. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with fears growing over a potential all-out war.
The Explosions and Rising Casualties
Firas Abiad, Lebanon’s health minister, disclosed during a news conference that the number of wounded reached nearly 2,800, with many requiring surgery to their faces, eyes, or hands. A considerable number of victims have also suffered amputations. “Almost two-thirds of the wounded needed some form of surgery,” he said, highlighting the overwhelming medical crisis Lebanon now faces.
Among the fatalities were an 8-year-old girl, an 11-year-old boy, and several healthcare workers in southern Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood. The blasts occurred almost simultaneously in various locations, from homes and shops to cars, creating widespread chaos. Hospitals across Lebanon were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties.
Hezbollah’s Response and Allegations Against Israel
Hezbollah, which has long relied on pagers for communications due to concerns about mobile phone tracking, placed the blame on Israel, warning of severe repercussions. In a statement released Wednesday, Hezbollah vowed to continue its operations “in support of Gaza” and to “defend Lebanon.” They also threatened a “severe reckoning” for Israel, which they accuse of orchestrating the massacre.
Hezbollah’s reliance on pagers is not new, as the group has consistently used them out of fear that mobile phones could be hacked or tracked by Israeli security forces. The Lebanese militant group claims that Israel planted explosives in the pagers, detonating them once they realized their covert operation had been discovered.
Israel’s Silence and International Concerns
While Israel has declined to comment on the incident, media reports have cited U.S. and Lebanese sources suggesting that Israeli operatives planted small explosives in the pagers imported by Hezbollah. The pagers were allegedly manufactured by Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese electronics firm. Sources reported that the decision to detonate the explosives was made out of fear that the operation had been compromised.
Amid the growing conflict, international bodies such as the UN, the U.S., and the UK have appealed for calm. These entities are concerned that further retaliatory actions could spark a broader conflict in the already volatile region.
Horrifying Aftermath
Tracy Chamoun, a Lebanese writer and politician, described the scene as “horrifying,” recounting how she witnessed injured individuals lying on roads and being rushed to hospitals. “All hell broke loose as they started to scramble to take these people to hospital,” Chamoun said.
Dr. Elias Warrak, an ophthalmologist at Mount Lebanon University Hospital, explained the nightmare situation that unfolded in his hospital. Over 60% of his patients had to have at least one eye removed due to the severity of the injuries. “Unfortunately, we were not able to save a lot of eyes,” he said, describing the toll the explosion took on his patients.
Regional Tensions and Potential for War
The explosions come amidst rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with cross-border fighting continuing for 11 months, triggered by the war in Gaza. Hezbollah has aligned itself with Hamas, vowing to continue its military actions until the Gaza conflict ends. The fear now is that the situation could lead to a wider conflict, drawing in other countries and potentially destabilizing the region further.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed her deep concern about the escalation, warning of a potential “wider conflagration” that could be disastrous for the region. International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have urged for restraint, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to de-escalate the conflict.
Conclusion
The death toll from the pager explosions in Lebanon is a stark reminder of the fragile situation in the Middle East, where small actions can lead to devastating consequences. As Hezbollah and Israel continue to trade blows, the risk of a broader conflict looms ever closer, with civilians paying the highest price. The international community must take urgent steps to prevent further escalation, lest the region fall deeper into chaos.