Exploding Pagers Cause Mass Injuries Across Lebanon

In a startling turn of events, Lebanon experienced a wave of injuries on Tuesday due to exploding pagers, affecting various parts of the country. The incident has caused significant concern, particularly as members of Hezbollah, the militant group founded in 1985, were among those impacted.

Lebanese officials reported that a "large number of people" sustained injuries from these unexpected explosions. The affected areas span across the nation, including:

• Southern Lebanon, near the 81-kilometer Israel-Lebanon border
• Northern regions
• The coastal city of Tyre, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities

Health authorities described chaotic scenes at hospitals nationwide, with ambulances continuously arriving at medical facilities. The Ministry of Health stated that "large numbers" of individuals were seeking treatment related to the pager explosions.

In response to the crisis, hospitals have been placed on "maximum alert." The health ministry has issued urgent appeals for blood donations and directed healthcare workers to report for "emergency treatment" duties. Officials have strongly advised citizens to "stay away from" wireless communication devices.

A voice message circulated among Hezbollah members, warning: "Each one who received a new pager, throw it away." This advice reflects the gravity of the situation, especially considering that pagers, first patented in 1949, have been a reliable communication tool for decades.

Social media platforms have been flooded with videos showcasing the aftermath of the explosions. These clips depict severely damaged pagers and instances of devices detonating while in the possession of their owners.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Recent months have seen a series of reciprocal strikes, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. Earlier this week, Israeli officials indicated that their military was prepared to take action against Hezbollah, suggesting that diplomatic efforts to prevent full-scale conflict may have reached their limits.

When approached for comment, the Israel Defense Forces declined to address whether they were responsible for the pager explosions.

Lebanon, a country with a rich history dating back over 5,000 years and known for its iconic Cedar tree symbol, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Since 2019, it has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, adding to the complexity of the current situation.

As the nation, home to approximately 5.5 million people as of 2024, deals with this unexpected crisis, the international community watches closely, aware of Lebanon's strategic position in the Middle East and its highest proportion of Christians in the region.

"Each one who received a new pager, throw it away"

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the region and the potential for unexpected threats to public safety. As Lebanon navigates this crisis, the world awaits further developments and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.