Photo of a detonated pager. © via Telegram

Hand-held devices used by armed-group Hezbollah have detonated in Lebanon on Wednesday, for the second consecutive day. Wednesday’s explosions killed 20 people and injured 450 in suburbs of the capital Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, says the Lebanese health ministry.

A previous explosion of pagers on Tuesday had killed 12 people and injured over 2700. The communication device is common with militants and criminals because of its perceived safety and security features.

Details of the explosions

On Tuesday, pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members detonated almost at the same time in parts of Lebanon as well as Syria. The attack claimed the lives of at least 12 people — including two young children — and wounded thousands more. The injuries included loss of one or both eyes and limbs. Pagers have been used by Hezbollah in place of cell phones on the directives of the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, to avoid their movements being traced.

Possible Cause of the Explosions

Lebanon accuses Israel for the deadly explosions but Israel hasn’t commented on the issue. Security sources say Israel’s spy agency the Mossad is responsible. The Mossad has a long history of sophisticated attacks.

Hashim Safiddine, an Hezbollah official, has promised a response for what the group calls the “biggest security  breach” so far. Both Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in lower-level hostilities since October 7 2023 when Israel’s war on Gaza began.

A person being carried on a stretcher in Beirut
© Reuters

Fear of an All-Out War in the Middle East

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Sefada accused Israel of pushing the whole Middle East to the brink of a regional conflict. Israel has promised to turn the Lebanese capital Beirut into a second Gaza, highlighting its readiness for a war on multiple fronts. 

“We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said.

Iran, another ally of Gaza, also promised  to respond after Hamas Chief, Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated allegedly by Israel in a hotel in Tehran where he was attending the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Diplomatic Efforts

The United States denies prior knowledge of Israel’s attack but is urging all parties to refrain from actions that would lead to a wider conflict.  The United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday following device explosions in Lebanon. 

Slovenia’s Ambassador to the United Nation Samuel Zbogar has said the UN Security Council will meet on Friday over the pager blasts in Lebanon. The meeting was called by Algeria on behalf of Arab States.