- Israel planted explosives in thousands of Hezbollah pagers – reports
- Around 3,000 people wounded, with 200 in critical condition
- Hezbollah says Israel will face “fair punishment”
Israel planted explosives in thousands of Hezbollah pagers – reports
At least nine people have been killed and thousands injured after a series of handheld pager explosions rocked Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, around 3,000 people were wounded, with 200 in critical condition, overwhelming local hospitals.
Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese group backed by Iran, has blamed Israel for what it called a “sinful aggression” and warned that Israel will face “fair punishment.” Israel has yet to respond to the accusation but earlier announced that one of its key goals in the Gaza conflict is to return residents to northern Israel, following attacks by Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed the death toll, noting that most injuries were to the face and hands. Among the dead are eight Hezbollah members and the young daughter of one of its fighters.
The explosions occurred just hours after Israel emphasised the importance of resettling residents displaced by Hezbollah’s attacks. Israel has not commented directly on Hezbollah’s claims.