Lebanese envoy denounces pager explosions as 'war crime' at UNGA

Lebanon's ambassador Hadi Hachem has condemned the recent explosion of pager devices across the country, labeling the incident a “war crime” and accusing Israel of escalating the region's already fragile state

At least nine people, including a 10-year-old child, were killed, and thousands were wounded in a series of pager explosions across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday. The blastshave sparked outrage in Beirut.

The blasts, which targeted members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, represent a significant security breach amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported approximately 2,750 injuries, with around 200 individuals in critical condition.

Among the injured is Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who is receiving treatment.

Hezbollah fighters in Syria were also affected, with several being treated in hospitals in Damascus.

The explosions, which simultaneously detonated hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members, have been described as the group's most significant security breach in nearly a year of conflict with Israel.

These pagers were reportedly part of a new system adopted by Hezbollah to prevent targeted assassinations.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack, vowing "just punishment" for the deaths of its members and civilians.

The blasts come amid months of Israeli assassinations of Hezbollah leaders and heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The explosions occurred shortly after Israel announced plans to expand its military operations, already aimed at Hamas, to include Hezbollah.

While Israel has not commented on the attacks, Hezbollah's official statement accused the Israeli government of being responsible for the aggression.

In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, Hachem stressed that Lebanon’s sovereignty had been under consistent attack since last year, “These acts of aggression violate the very essence of international humanitarian law.”

As Lebanon reels from the devastating aftermath, the government has vowed to hold those responsible accountable, while the incident threatens to ignite further violence in the tense Middle East region