Beirut, Lebanon: A second wave of explosions on Wednesday killed 20 people and injured more than 450 in Hezbollah-dominated areas of Lebanon, intensifying concerns of an all-out war with Israel. The blasts, reportedly caused by booby-trapped walkie-talkies and paging devices used by Hezbollah members, occurred in Beirut, as well as southern and eastern Lebanon.
The explosions follow a similar attack the previous day that killed 12 people and injured up to 2,800. The unprecedented attack, which is believed to have been carried out by Israel, has escalated fears of a broader regional conflict.
Israeli officials have not commented on the explosions. However, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the growing focus on Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas, stating that Israel was entering a “new phase” of the war. This comes amid daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, further fueling fears of a full-scale regional war.
Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack, vowing revenge and accusing it of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty. The attacks have overwhelmed hospitals in Hezbollah strongholds, with medical professionals describing severe injuries, including finger amputations and shrapnel wounds to the eyes.
As tensions surge, regional airlines like Lufthansa and Air France have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut.
