Israel's Mossad spy agency planted explosives in Hezbollah pagers, reports say | BBC News

Summary

Reports indicate that Israel's spy agency planted explosives in electronic pagers, which detonated across Lebanon, overwhelming hospitals with casualties. At least 11 were killed, including an 8-year-old girl, and thousands more were injured, some critically. Hezbollah, labeled a terrorist organization by the UK and others, used these pagers for secure communication. Israel, fearing discovery, detonated the devices early. The incident raises international concerns and may escalate tensions in an already volatile region.

Takeaways

• 💥 Israel's spy agency is suspected of planting explosives in pagers used by Hezbollah, leading to simultaneous explosions across Lebanon.
• 🏥 Lebanese hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, with at least 11 killed, including an 8-year-old girl, and thousands wounded, many critically.
• 📟 Hezbollah had been using pagers instead of mobile phones for communication due to fears of phone hacking.
• 💣 Israeli and U.S. sources claim Israel detonated the pagers earlier than planned, fearing Hezbollah had become aware of the operation.
• 🇹🇼 A Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo, whose pagers were used in the attack, denies involvement, stating the products were sold under a licensing agreement to a Hungarian company.
• 🕊️ The United States and the UN have called for restraint and calm in response to the attacks.
• 🔥 Some speculate that the pager explosions could be the start of a larger military operation to disrupt Hezbollah's communication network.
• ⚰️ Funerals have begun in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation against Israel for the attacks.
• 👨‍⚕️ Lebanon's Health Ministry reports 3,000 injured, including 200 critically, and the death toll may rise.
• 📰 Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to make a public address about the attacks and possible retaliation.

Q & A

What was the nature of the electronic pager explosions in Lebanon?

The explosions involved thousands of electronic pagers that were detonated simultaneously across Lebanon, causing widespread damage and casualties.

Which organization is suspected to be behind the pager explosions?

Israel's spy agency is suspected to have placed explosives in the pagers, according to multiple reports.

What was the immediate impact of the explosions on hospitals in Lebanon?

Hospitals in Lebanon were overwhelmed with casualties, struggling to cope with the scale of the attack.

How did Hezbollah use the pagers, and why?

Hezbollah used the pagers for communication instead of mobile phones due to the risk of phones being hacked.

What was the reported death toll and number of injured individuals after the explosions?

At least 11 people were killed, including an 8-year-old girl, and thousands more were wounded, with hundreds in critical condition.

Why did Israel reportedly detonate the pagers earlier than planned?

Israel detonated the pagers earlier than planned fearing that Hezbollah had become aware of the plan.

What is the connection between the pagers and a company in Taiwan?

The pagers seemed to have been manufactured by a company in Taiwan that unknowingly supplied them.