Pagers and Radios Explode Across Lebanon as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Intensifies
Beirut, Lebanon – September 18, 2024
At least 14 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in Lebanon after handheld radios and pagers used by Hezbollah exploded in multiple locations, in what Lebanese authorities are calling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group.
The explosions, which occurred across several cities, including Tyre, Saida, Sohmor, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, left a trail of destruction.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, more than 450 people were injured in the latest incident on Wednesday, while 12 people had been killed in a near-identical attack the day before.
The attacks have sparked widespread panic, with many residents fleeing the affected areas. One of the explosions on Wednesday hit during a Hezbollah-organized funeral in Beirut for victims of Tuesday’s blasts. The funeral, held for those killed in a previous pager explosion, turned chaotic as mourners scrambled for safety after a loud blast echoed across the area. Ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the scene as roads out of Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, became congested.
A Community in Panic
"I am just going to check if my family is okay," a man who fled the funeral told Middle East Eye. His relatives live in a building frequently visited by Hezbollah members, underscoring the danger of living in close proximity to the party’s operations. In Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, such proximity has heightened the risk for many civilians.
Conversations overheard at the scene reflected the growing fear. "Dude, throw away that device of yours," one man warned another, in reference to the now-dangerous radios and pagers that have been detonating unexpectedly.
The devices, which exploded in back-to-back incidents, were reportedly imported by Hezbollah about five months ago. The Gold Apollo pagers have been traced to a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, with media reports suggesting that Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency may have planted explosives inside them.
Israel's Response
While Israel has not directly commented on the explosions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that Israelis displaced by cross-border fighting with Hezbollah would return home soon. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant added, "We are opening a new phase in the war."
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has been simmering for almost a year, escalated when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel in October 2023. The move was intended to relieve pressure on Hamas as Israel waged its war in Gaza. Since then, hundreds of Lebanese, primarily Hezbollah fighters, and dozens of Israelis have been killed in the fighting.
Despite the rising death toll and the ongoing violence, Hezbollah has insisted it does not seek further escalation. The group has stated that it will cease its strikes once Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.
Regional Reactions and Concerns
Russia and Egypt have condemned the device explosions, warning that such incidents could draw the region into a wider war. On Tuesday, both countries issued statements calling for restraint and dialogue, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded all parties that civilian objects should not be weaponized.
The escalating violence has also raised concerns about Lebanon's already fragile political and economic stability. With Hezbollah involved in an increasingly deadly conflict with Israel, many fear that Lebanon could be dragged into a broader regional conflict, especially given the group's close ties to Iran.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Lebanese people are left grappling with the uncertainty of what the future holds. With explosions rocking their cities and political tensions mounting, Lebanon finds itself once again on the front lines of a wider Middle Eastern power struggle.
A wave of mysterious explosions involving pagers and radios has swept across Lebanon, coinciding with the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
These incidents have raised significant concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
How it Works: The exact mechanism behind these explosions remains unclear. However, it is believed that certain pagers or radios may be modified to carry explosives. When activated, these devices detonate, causing damage and potentially casualties.
Escalating Tensions: As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, the use of such unconventional tactics has become a worrying trend. These explosions could be a deliberate attempt to sow fear and disrupt the lives of civilians.
Safety Concerns: The widespread availability of pagers and radios in Lebanon makes it difficult to prevent these attacks. Civilians are advised to be cautious and avoid using these devices if they suspect they may be compromised.
International Response: The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon by Israel. Efforts are underway to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
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