On September 17, 2024, a series of explosions involving pagers in Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon resulted in at least nine deaths and around 2,800 injuries. The Iran-backed militant group attributed the attacks to Israel.
The explosions occurred just hours after Israel announced an expansion of its military campaign, which had initially focused on Hamas, to also target Hezbollah along its border with Lebanon. The blasts reportedly involved pagers used by Hezbollah members, which were equipped with small plastic explosives for remote detonation.
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed the casualties, including a 10-year-old girl, and noted that approximately 200 of the injured were in critical condition. The influx of casualties overwhelmed hospitals, with makeshift treatment areas set up in parking lots.
Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the explosions, with the group pledging continued support for Gaza in response. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department stated that it had no prior knowledge of the incident and was not involved.
The explosions have exacerbated the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which has led to mass displacement and casualties on both sides. Major airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut due to heightened tensions.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the region to push for a ceasefire agreement, amid stalled negotiations. The conflict has led to significant casualties, with over 41,000 reported deaths in Gaza since October 7, 2023, following attacks by Hamas on southern Israel.
The United Nations is debating a draft resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, though the resolution is non-binding and has been criticized by Israel.