Death Toll from Hezbollah Pager Explosions in Lebanon Rises to 12: The Aftermath of a Devastating Incident

 

On a tragic Tuesday in Lebanon, an unforeseen explosion shook the country, with a significant death toll and widespread injuries. Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, confirmed that 12 people lost their lives, including two children and four healthcare workers, when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded in a series of coordinated blasts. This devastating event has left Lebanon grappling with the aftermath, with more than 2,800 wounded, many of whom now require extensive medical intervention.

The explosions, which occurred almost simultaneously in homes, shops, and vehicles, left hospitals across Lebanon overwhelmed. Many of the wounded are suffering from life-altering injuries, with almost two-thirds of the victims needing surgery on their faces, eyes, or hands. Some have had to endure amputations, with medical professionals racing against time to provide critical care to the affected population. Dr. Elias Warrak, an ophthalmologist at Mount Lebanon University Hospital, described the situation as a nightmare, lamenting that his team had to remove eyes from many patients due to the extent of their injuries. In his 25 years of practice, he said he had never seen such a volume of eye injuries.

The nature of the blasts has raised suspicions and political tensions in an already fragile region. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group, has directly blamed Israel for the explosions, with its leader warning of a "severe reckoning." Israeli officials, however, have remained silent, though media reports from US and Lebanese sources suggest Israeli operatives had hidden small explosive devices in pagers recently imported by Hezbollah. This covert operation, reportedly conducted by Mossad, used explosive materials implanted in the devices, which were set to detonate using remote codes. While Israel has not publicly responded, these allegations have heightened fears of an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanese writer and politician Tracy Chamoun, who witnessed the aftermath of the blasts, described the scene as “horrifying.” She was in Beirut’s southern suburbs when she saw people lying injured in the streets, with blood-soaked victims being rushed to hospitals on motorbikes and in cars. “All hell broke loose,” she said, recounting the chaos that ensued after the pagers detonated. In her account, the pagers emitted a sound before the explosion, leading people to handle them, unknowingly bringing the devices close to their heads or bodies.

International concern over the incident and its implications has been swift. The United Nations, United States, and United Kingdom have all issued calls for calm, warning of the potential for further violence if tensions are not de-escalated. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while denying any American involvement in the explosions, emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from actions that could intensify the situation. He further stressed that negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza would be the most effective way to reduce regional tensions.

The explosions come at a critical time in the region, with Israel’s military signaling its readiness to escalate its actions along the border with Lebanon. The ongoing cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, which have persisted for nearly a year, were initially ignited by the conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah, which has long supported Hamas, another Iran-backed group, has vowed to continue its operations in Lebanon until the fighting in Gaza ceases. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has reiterated its determination to change the security reality along its northern border as soon as possible.

The situation remains tense as Lebanon tries to recover from this devastating attack. Many patients remain in intensive care, some struggling to breathe due to severe injuries, while others face the grim prospect of permanent disabilities. Hezbollah has also suffered significant losses, with 12 of its fighters, including the son of a Hezbollah MP, confirmed dead. The group has vowed to retaliate, marking a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.

As Lebanon mourns its dead and tends to its wounded, the country finds itself at a crossroads, with the potential for further violence hanging in the balance. The international community continues to watch with concern, hoping for restraint on all sides to avoid a larger conflagration.