These incidents highlight the increasing volatility in the region amid ongoing conflicts.
Details of the Explosions
On Wednesday, explosions were reported in multiple locations, including Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and Southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese health ministry, 20 people were killed, and over 450 were injured in these blasts. This followed a separate incident the previous day, in which explosions from pagers reportedly killed 12 people and injured around 3,000 Hezbollah members.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as explosions rocked neighborhoods. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) noted that “old pagers” detonated inside homes in the southern suburbs and in Southern Lebanon, with injured individuals being rushed to hospitals in both Beirut and Baalbek.
Specific Incidents
Reports indicate that one explosion occurred during a funeral procession in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, where mourners were gathering to pay respects to victims of the previous day’s blasts. Eyewitnesses described the horror of the blast as children, women, and men of all ages were present. Other explosions took place in the Bekaa Valley, with devices detonating on roads and inside vehicles.
Official Reactions
The United States government has firmly denied any involvement in the explosions. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the U.S. is committed to preventing further conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, advocating for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
In response to the recent events, Israeli officials have indicated a shift in military focus. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel is broadening its objectives in the war against Hamas to include Hezbollah. He stated, “The center of gravity is moving northward,” marking the beginning of a “new phase” in the conflict.
Allegations of Foreign Involvement
As the situation unfolds, Lebanese authorities have blamed Israel for the explosions. A senior Lebanese security source indicated that Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, may have planted explosives within the communication devices used by Hezbollah months before the detonations, suggesting a sophisticated operation.
The United States government has denied any involvement in these mass detonations. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to preventing further conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, advocating for diplomatic solutions.
In the wake of the blasts, Israeli officials have indicated a shift in their military strategy, expanding their focus to include Hezbollah, which is allied with Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted that the “center of gravity is moving northward,” signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict.
Impact on Civilians
The blasts have had a profound impact on civilians, particularly during a funeral procession in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, where a subsequent explosion occurred amidst grieving attendees. Reports indicate that children, women, and men were present at the scene, underscoring the tragedy’s reach.
Lebanon’s state-run news agency has suggested that the explosive devices may have been tampered with prior to their use, with sources alleging that Israeli intelligence operatives may have planted explosives inside Hezbollah’s communication devices months ago.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, wary of the potential for further escalation in the region.
Pager Explosions: Mossad Allegedly Used Explosive Laden over 1000 Pagers Against Hezbollah: Reports
