Iran condemns Lebanon’s deadly pager explosions as Israeli 'mass murder'

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denounced the pager explosions across Lebanon, which killed at least nine people and wounded some 3,000 others, describing the tragedy as an act of mass murder perpetrated by the occupying Israeli regime.

“Today’s terrorist attack in Lebanon is a continuation of hybrid operations being conducted by the Zionist regime and their mercenaries, runs counter to all moral and humanitarian principles as well as international laws, particularly the international humanitarian law, and deserves international criminal prosecution, trial and punishment,” Nasser Kan’ani said in a statement late on Tuesday.

He went on to term the act of terror as a clear example of mass murder, stating that the incident clearly proves that the Zionist regime has exposed regional and international peace and security to serious threats at the same time as it is committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinian people.

Kan’ani then called upon the international community to take immediate actions against the impunity of criminal Israeli authorities.

The Iranian diplomat offered condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He also voiced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to provide any assistance needed by the Lebanese government and nation.

Lebanon’s caretaker health minister has said at least nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, were killed and 2,750 others wounded by handheld pagers exploded across Lebanon.

Firass Abiad said more than 200 people are in critical condition after the communication devices exploded on Tuesday, with injuries mostly reported to the face, hands and stomach.

Iran envoy condemns Israel's cyber terrorism in Lebanon

Iran

A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the son of a member of the resistance group’s bloc in Lebanon’s Parliament is among those killed. The sons of two other senior officials are also wounded.

"This is a new Israeli aggression against Lebanon. The resistance will retaliate in a suitable way at the suitable time,” prominent Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar told The Associated Press after his son, Mahdi, was killed. 

The Hezbollah official said the wounded include the son of Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah, and the son of senior security official Wafiq Safa.

Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, is also among those injured by the pager explosions.

The Lebanese Red Cross says it has provided 150 units to hospitals across Lebanon through its blood banks, and said centers are accommodating those who still wish to donate.

The humanitarian organization noted that it responded with “130 ambulances and more than 500 EMTs” (emergency medical technicians), shortly after the simultaneous explosions of pagers across the Arab nation.

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