UK Daily Trending stories
Media Coverage
The story dominates almost all the front pages as well as online.
The story is trending on social media and will likely remain for some time as Lebanon is expected to retaliate.
Trending – Hezbollah hit with second explosive device attack as Israel declares ‘new phase of war’
Most of the UK news cycle is dominated by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Over the past two days electronic devices used by Hezbollah have simultaneously exploded.
On Tuesday, 12 people were killed and more than 2,700 wounded after pager devices exploded. Just a day later, another wave of explosions rocked the country after walkie-talkies – also used by Hezbollah – exploded.
Basic facts
- On Tuesday 12 people died and 2,700 injured after pager devices exploded
- On Wednesday 20 people were killed and around 450 injured after walkie-talkies exploded
- Hezbollah prefer using pagers and walkie-talkies over mobile phones
- It’s understood Israel is behind the attack although they have made no comment
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the conflict had entered a “new phase”
- There are fears that the attacks could see an escalation in the war
The reaction
Many of the papers report on their shock at the coordinated attack believed to be at the hands of Israel – although so far they have refused to comment.
The newspapers and online media speculate what this could mean for the wider context of the war and if Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s comment that the conflict had entered a “new phase” means a potential widening of the war.
A handful of media are reporting on how the unfolding events are causing fear and confusion for the many innocent civilians – who have no idea what might explode next, or how to keep themselves safe.
Related stories
Trending on social media
Online the discourse has two clear narratives: those condemning the actions, calling the exploding devices ‘war crimes’ (as civilians are being caught up in these exploding electronic devices) and reminding people to not take their eyes off what’s happening in Gaza.
On the other hand, there is support for Israel for defending itself from any perceived threat.
Israel has reached a new low, committing more war crimes, indiscriminately detonating thousands of electronic devices all over #Lebanon, says H.E. the Ambassador for 🇱🇧 to the U.K. @mortadarami. Israel has been committing all these crimes for decades, breaching all international… pic.twitter.com/J28yKBDg1A
— Husam Zomlot (@hzomlot) September 19, 2024
If you are condemning the precision of Israel’s self-defense without condemning the indiscriminateness of Hezbollah’s aggression, you are not promoting peace.
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) September 19, 2024
You are obstinately opposing Israel’s right to defend itself against the world’s most heavily armed terrorist…
In case you were wondering, since the media has been too busy being in awe of Israel’s terror attack in Lebanon, this is still happening in Gaza. https://t.co/0dKHtKiyow
— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) September 19, 2024