Topline
Hundreds of wireless devices exploded at the same time across Lebanon on Tuesday, causing many to be injured and leading the Lebanese Health Ministry to advise people to stay away from their pager-like devices, multiple outlets reported.
Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical … [+]
Key Facts
Lebanese officials said Tuesday at least nine people—including one member of Hezbollah and one young girl—were killed and 2,750 were injured across Lebanon and parts of Syria in the attack, the Associated Press reported.
Hundreds of Hezbollah fighters had devices like the ones that exploded, a Hezbollah official told the Wall Street Journal, though it’s not clear what caused them to explode.
The explosions lasted for about an hour beginning at 3:45 p.m. local time, Reuters reported, and it’s not immediately clear how many devices were detonated.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reportedly warned people to avoid using similar devices until it is known how and why they exploded.
Hezbollah released a statement blaming Israel “for this criminal aggression that also harmed civilians and caused deaths and injuries,” and said it will not go without punishment, Axios reported.
Israel’s military told the AP it will not comment on the attack—which came one day after Israeli officials reportedly said military action may be necessary in response to Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks.
Forbes has reached out to the Lebanese Red Cross and Israel’s Defense Ministry for comment.
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Key Background
Fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has been escalating for months as Israel continues its war against Hezbollah’s ally, Hamas. On Oct. 8, 2023—the day after Hamas attacked Israel—Hezbollah attacked Israel to show it was “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people. On Monday, the United States warned Israel against escalating its war with Hezbollah as concern continues that a war in the Middle East could expand beyond Gaza. The warning came as Israel’s security cabinet voted to update its goals of its war with Hamas to include the safe return of Israelis who have been displaced from their homes on the northern border with Lebanon. Despite warnings from the U.S., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that “while Israel appreciates and respects the support of the US, it will – ultimately – do what is necessary to safeguard its security and return the residents of the north securely to their homes.”
Big Number
300. That’s at least how many emergency medical staff were dispatched to help evacuate victims, the Lebanese Red Cross told Reuters. More than 50 ambulances were also sent out.
