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In a statement, Hamas described the explosions, which targeted pagers used by Hezbollah members, as a “terrorist act” and emphasized its solidarity with Hezbollah. “This terrorist act is part of the Zionist enemy’s larger aggression on the region,” the statement read.
This incident comes in the wake of a much larger blast in Lebanon, where at least eight people were killed, and 2,750 others wounded after pagers, many of which were reportedly linked to Hezbollah members and institutions, exploded simultaneously across the country.
Plitsas suggested that Israel may have been aware of a shipment of these pagers bound for Hezbollah and could have modified them before delivery to trigger the explosions.
“This is an opportunity to alter the current dynamics of the conflict with Hezbollah,” said Yiftah Ron-Tal, a major general in the Israeli army reserves, as quoted by Israel’s Channel 14.
Hezbollah, a powerful militant group based in Lebanon, immediately pointed the finger at Israel, accusing it of carrying out what they described as a “criminal aggression.” The Lebanese cabinet echoed this accusation, holding Israel responsible for the blasts.
Reports from The Associated Press confirmed casualties in various parts of Lebanon, while Hezbollah members in Syria were also affected. The precise toll of the dead and wounded is still being assessed.
The attacks, which began early Tuesday morning, mark the most severe exchange of fire between the two neighboring territories in recent months.
According to Israeli military sources, the attack originated from across the border in Lebanon, where unidentified assailants launched rockets or artillery shells towards northern Israel. The incoming fire struck a residential building in a small community, causing substantial damage and triggering a fire that engulfed the structure. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that the building was largely empty at the time of the attack, and there have been no reported casualties. However, the incident has caused considerable damage and disruption to the local community.
SANA reported that the attacks caused significant material damage and sparked a fire near the city of Masyaf in Hama province. Syrian military sources described the strikes as "an air aggression by the Israeli enemy" and confirmed that their air defence systems intercepted some of the incoming missiles.
The strikes, which occurred late Wednesday night, have intensified fears of a broader conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
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