Watch: Updates Develop From The Middle-East As More Devices Explode, IDF Launch Missiles and Tension Continue To Rise
Tensions have increased between Lebanon and Israel, following an exchange of missile strikes, claiming the lives of many.
Following the pager detonations last Tuesday 17th September, tensions steadily climbed between Shia Islamic political group Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), after Israeli delegates admitted to being behind the attacks.
Further detonations had been reported, notably from walkie-talkies at funerals held for fallen victims, including children as well as Hezbollah members, who the attacks were targeted towards. Fear grew among the Lebanese population with technological devices being the source of these explosions. The nation’s higher ups went as far as to implore citizens to distance themselves from such devices, which to date have claimed the lives of around 30 people, including at least 12 civilians.
IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, made a statement following the attacks saying, “We still have many capabilities that we have not yet activated… when we work on a certain stage, the next two stages are already ready to advance.”
“At each stage, the price for Hezbollah must be high,” concluded Halevi.
Hezbollah militants retaliated by launching a barrage of 140 rockets into the Northern borders of Israel, yesterday afternoon. The primary targets, as made clear by the militia, were military compounds including air defence bases and headquarters. The number of casualties in this attack are unclear.
The attack prompted a near immediate response from IDF forces, who launched an air strike on the city of Beirut, further claiming the lives of 31. Among the deceased were two Hezbollah senior commanders, one of whom was identified as Ibrahim Aqil, as well as several more civilians including children.
Tensions remain at an all time high in the region; Palestinian militant group Hamas, who have been the primary defence force for Palestine in the recent conflicts, have come out to declare its support for Hezbollah, publicly stating that Israel will “pay the price.”
Peaceful international intervention continues to be attempted, as UN discussions take place amidst the events. Despite this, Lebanese officials have made it clear regarding their position in the matter, claiming that “no one in the world is safe.”
Cover Slide photo via Reuters
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