Lebanon in Turmoil After Hezbollah Beeper Explosions

The Lebanese Hezbollah has pledged to continue its operations in support of the Palestinian Hamas and to punish Israel following an unprecedented attack from Beirut on Wednesday. The blasts resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including two children, and injured between 2,750 to 2,800, the Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported. Nearly 300 of those injured are in critical condition, with some being transferred to Syria and others set for evacuation to Iran, according to Abiad.

These explosions took place hours after Israel announced it would extend its military objectives from Gaza to its northern borders with Lebanon. Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border have forced tens of thousands from both sides to flee their homes.

The Hezbollah organization blames Israel for the explosions, arguing that Israel is entirely responsible and must receive “just punishment”. Despite these unprecedented attacks, Hezbollah has vowed to continue supporting Gaza. The head of Hezbollah is scheduled to address followers on Thursday.

The explosions, described as blasts from paging devices used by Hezbollah members, occurred in several of the group’s strongholds, including the southern suburbs of Beirut. A recent shipment of 1,000 pagers, purportedly compromised at the source, is reportedly linked to the incident. Hezbollah has accused Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad, of infiltrating their supply chains.

The aftermath of the incidents saw chaotic scenes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold for Hezbollah. Residents rushed to hospitals to donate blood as the casualties overwhelmed local medical facilities. Witnesses described seeing ambulances shuttling back and forth amid an outpouring of community anger and shock. Patients were treated on the spot with makeshift facilities due to the overflow of victims in hospitals.

The situation has drawn international concern, with the European Union‘s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, condemning the attacks and expressing deep concern. The United Nations also expressed alarm over the escalating conflict.

In response to the growing instability, airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France have suspended flights to Beirut, with restrictions expected to continue in response to ongoing security threats. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes have targeted multiple Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

International efforts to mediate between the ongoing conflict parties continue, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi to discuss potential ceasefire negotiations. Despite numerous attempts, a conclusive resolution remains elusive.