A deadly and unprecedented attack in Lebanon against Hezbollah involved the remote detonation of pagers, killing at least nine people and injuring almost 3,000. Hezbollah blamed Israel for the blasts and promised revenge. The manufacturer linked to the pagers, Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, denied making the devices, stating they were manufactured by a company in Europe.
The explosions targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley. The attack resulted in critical injuries, including two Hezbollah fighters and a young girl. The incident follows months of targeted assassinations by Israel against senior Hezbollah leaders, escalating tensions between the two parties.
Lebanon’s health minister reported that hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, including Iran’s ambassador to Beirut who was wounded. The blast comes amid US efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel, however, has broadened its aims in the conflict triggered by Hamas attacks, now including Hezbollah along the Lebanon border.
The attack has also raised concerns about possible retaliation from Iran, which backs Hezbollah. The US state department, though not directly involved in the cease-fire talks, expressed uncertainty about the attack’s impact. Hamas condemned the attack as an escalation that would ultimately lead to Israel’s defeat.
The blasts have prompted Hezbollah to launch a security and scientific investigation into the causes. The attack is seen as the group’s biggest security breach in decades and poses a significant challenge for Hezbollah’s counterintelligence efforts. The incident threatens the fragile calm that had prevailed between Israel and Hezbollah in recent weeks.
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