19 Sep 2024
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the pager and walkie-talkie attacks as “a terrorist act” and a declaration of war on Lebanon’s people and sovereignty. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported the death toll has risen to 37, with 287 critically injured from the two waves of attacks. In response, Lebanon’s civil aviation director general has banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights after the devices exploded in coordinated attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to state media. The foreign minister warned that this "blatant assault" on Lebanon's security could escalate into a wider conflict.
Here’s a recap of today’s key events:
- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of being responsible for the deadly blasts of Hezbollah pagers and radios on Tuesday and Wednesday, which also claimed civilian lives.
- Nasrallah emphasized that senior Hezbollah officials do not use the pager models that were targeted.
- He vowed that Hezbollah’s operations in southern Lebanon would continue until the Israeli war in Gaza ends.
- Nasrallah stated the attacks have only strengthened Hezbollah’s resolve and preparedness.
- The Israeli army reported two soldiers killed near the Israel-Lebanon border.
- Iranian media reported that IRGC commander Hossein Salami informed Nasrallah that Israel would face “a crushing response” from the ‘axis of resistance.’
**Reactions to Nasrallah's speech:**
- Public responses in Beirut’s Achrafieh district were mixed. One man at a bus stop blamed Nasrallah for the violence but said he didn’t fear further attacks, only Nasrallah himself.
- A young restaurant worker expressed full support for Nasrallah and his decision to keep the southern front active.
mahbub,,by
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