Iran is evacuating wounded Hezbollah combatants
Following a set of minor detonations of electronic gadgets in Lebanon, the casualty count has risen beyond 25. Iran is preparing to deploy medical professionals to the region and contemplating the evacuation of the injured. The United Nations Security Council has convened an urgent meeting.
Iran is planning to evacuate around 100 injured individuals from Lebanon. Majority of the victims, set for transportation to Iranian medical facilities, have suffered injuries to their hands and eyes, as reported by the Head of the Red Crescent Society, Pirhussein Koliwand. Approximately 95 patients are anticipated to be transported within the forthcoming hours. Iran had previously dispatched medical personnel and nurses to the Mediterranean nation. Lebanon's healthcare infrastructure is under immense pressure due to an prolonged financial crisis affecting the nation.
On Tuesday, explosions of what were labeled as 'pagers' left around 2800 individuals injured and claimed 12 lives. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon was also among the wounded. It was uncertain whether the diplomatic mission head and members of Hezbollah would be transferred to Iran. In a second wave on Wednesday, walkie-talkies and other electronic devices detonated, resulting in over 450 injuries and 14 fatalities.
Hezbollah attributed Tuesday's attack to Israel and threatened retaliation. Israel has remained silent on the matter. Israel also did not make any comments regarding the Wednesday explosions. Israel's Defense Minister Joav Galant announced a "new phase" of the conflict, with a focus on the north.
Second wave of explosions during a memorial service
The second wave of explosions occurred in Lebanon late in the afternoon. The memorial services for Tuesday's victims were being held in the southern Beirut suburb when the renewed explosions were reported. According to sources within Hezbollah, "wireless devices like walkie-talkies" had detonated.
Social media videos depicted panic spreading during the memorial ceremony following the loud noises heard. In response to the detonated pagers from the previous day, senior Hezbollah official Hashim Safieddine stated, "This aggression bears its own consequences and retribution, and the retribution will follow." Hezbollah had previously declared retribution. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the public.
In light of these circumstances, the United Nations Security Council will conduct an urgent meeting. According to diplomatic sources, the most influential body of the United Nations is scheduled to gather tonight, Friday, at 21:00 CET.
The international community is closely watching the situation in Lebanon, given the involvement of Israel and Hezbollah. It has been reported that Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, is often suspected when such incidents occur, although no concrete evidence has been presented.
In the aftermath of the second wave of explosions at the memorial service, many are questioning the motives behind these attacks and speculating about potential involvement of external forces, including Mossad.
