Pager explosion in Lebanon: death toll rises to 12, including two children, and thousands injured

After the simultaneous explosion of many pagers in Lebanon, the death toll is rising. According to the Ministry of Health, 12 people lost their lives in this tragedy, which the country blames on Israel, rekindling tensions between these two countries. 

The simultaneous explosions of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon on Tuesday, blamed on Israel by the pro-Iranian Islamist group, left 12 dead and some 2,800 injured, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said on Wednesday.

After checking with all hospitals, the toll now stands at “12 dead including two children” and there are “between 2,750 and 2,800” injured, Abiad said at a press conference. Some people injured in the Bekaa (east) “were transferred to Syria” neighboring, while "others will be evacuated to Iran", he added.

Lebanon blames Israel

The Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah said Tuesday that Israel was "fully responsible" for the simultaneous explosion of its members' pagers in Lebanon.

In a statement, the powerful pro-Iranian party assured that Israel would "receive its just punishment" "following "this criminal aggression".