Explosions of Communication Devices Kill Dozens in Lebanon

A second wave of deadly explosions involving booby-trapped communication devices struck Lebanon, leaving at least 12 dead, including two children, and wounding over 2,800 people, according to Lebanese officials. The explosions, which began on Tuesday, were reportedly caused by tampered pagers used by Hezbollah, rigged with explosives by Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. This marks the second attack of its kind in recent days, with southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region hit hardest.

Lebanon's Health Minister, Firass Abiad, confirmed the rising death toll and warned that 300 people remain in critical condition. The explosions follow a covert Israeli operation that saw thousands of pagers laced with explosive materials shipped to Hezbollah in 2022, creating what analysts are calling a modern-day Trojan horse.

In response to the escalating situation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) moved a brigade from Gaza to Israel's northern border, anticipating potential clashes with Hezbollah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel is entering "a new phase in the war."

Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amini, was also severely injured in the explosions, losing an eye, according to reports.

The international community, including the United Nations and Egypt, is calling for de-escalation amid concerns of a broader regional conflict. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss the attacks and their potential repercussions.