Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has condemned the recent unprecedented Israeli attack, describing it as a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international agreements and standards. His remarks come in the wake of a series of deadly explosions that targeted handheld pagers used by members of Hezbollah, resulting in at least nine fatalities and injuring over 2,800 individuals across Lebanon.
The explosions occurred on September 17, 2024, with devices detonating simultaneously after receiving a specific message. This coordinated attack has been attributed to Israeli intelligence operations, specifically involving the Mossad, although Israel has not officially commented on its involvement.
The blasts led to chaos in various regions, particularly in southern Beirut, where many Hezbollah members reside. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic and destruction as hospitals struggled to accommodate the influx of injured individuals.
In response to the attack, Hezbollah has vowed retaliation against Israel, holding it fully responsible for what they termed “criminal aggression.” The group announced that it is conducting an internal investigation into the incident while calling for accountability for those behind the explosions.
Minister Bou Habib warned of the grave implications of this incident, especially as it coincides with increasing Israeli threats to expand military operations into Lebanon. He stated, “This assault not only endangers our national security but also threatens to escalate tensions in an already volatile region.” He emphasized that such actions could lead to a wider conflict that would have dire consequences for both Lebanon and Israel.
The Lebanese government has collectively condemned the attack, labeling it a serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty. They have begun reaching out to international partners to address this escalation and seek support in maintaining stability in the region.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon condemned the attacks, calling them an “extremely concerning escalation” amid an already precarious situation. The U.S. State Department has also expressed concern over the violence but refrained from commenting on Israel’s alleged role in the attacks.
