Brussels 18.09.2024 “I firmly condemn today’s new attack via the explosion of a high number of electronic devices across Lebanon, which has caused several casualties and a high number of injuries. Once again, the indiscriminate method used is unacceptable due to the inevitable and heavy collateral damages among civilians, and the broader consequences for the entire population, including fear and terror, and the collapse of hospitals” reads statement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell (pictured) on the new series of explosions across Lebanon.

“Whoever is behind these attacks aims to spread terror in Lebanon. I join UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s assessment of the incident and the call for an independent investigation.

“The risk of military escalation, with devastating consequences for the entire region, requires an urgent mobilisation. The European Union will continue to do its utmost to support the voices of peace and reason.

Twelve people were killed in the explosions and some 2,800 were wounded, the majority of them Shiite fighters.

An attack blamed on Israel plunged Lebanon into chaos and panic on September 17. At 3:30 pm, the pagers belonging to hundreds of people exploded. For several hours ambulances transported the wounded from Hezbollah strongholds into overwhelmed hospitals in Beirut, the south of the country and the Beqaa Valley. Victims’ hands had been shredded, some were left disfigured and others had wounds in their groins or legs.

“At around 3:30 pm, several beepers exploded among employees of various Lebanon-based Hezbollah units and institutions,” Hezbollah explained in a statement. One of its officials, quoted by Reuters, acknowledged “the biggest security breach” the movement has ever experienced.

According to a provisional assessment by the Lebanese Ministry of Health, nine people were killed and almost 2,800 injured, 200 of whom are still in critical condition. The death toll went up to 12 later in the afternoon. Israel is “entirely responsible” for these explosions and will receive “fair punishment,” Hezbollah threatened. Israel’s authorities didn’t comment. The Lebanese authorities denounced “a violation” of Lebanese security and “sovereignty.”