China’s Foreign Ministry said the explosion of thousands of communications devices in Lebanon was a violation of sovereignty and could escalate tensions in the Middle East region.
“We oppose any action that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty and security and express concern over the possible escalation of tensions in the region that may be triggered by this incident,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing, China on Thursday (19/9), as reported by Antara, Friday (20/9).
Mass explosions of wireless communication devices known as pagers in several areas of Lebanon on Tuesday (17/9). A total of 12 people including a child were killed in the mass explosions, and nearly 2,800 others were injured, including 200 of them in critical condition.
The incident was followed by the explosion of other communication devices such as protophones (walkie-talkies) on Wednesday (18/9). “We call on the relevant parties to seriously maintain peace and stability in the Middle East,” added Lin Jian.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 20 people were killed and 450 others injured in the second wave of explosions of communications devices. Lebanese media alleged the devices went off after Israel hacked the country’s communications system.
The Lebanese government and Hezbollah both accused Israel of orchestrating the attack. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah even said the number of pagers used by Hezbollah members was 4,000, implying that Israel deliberately tried to kill 4,000 people.
Meanwhile, local media reported that the exploded protophone units were supplied to Lebanon five months ago, around the same time as the exploded pager units arrived. Hezbollah’s decision to use the pager devices was because the technology was considered the most secure from potential hacking and eavesdropping.
Lebanese security sources said that Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency planted explosives inside pagers used by Hezbollah members months before they exploded. There was no comment from Israel on the pager explosions, but Hezbollah vowed to retaliate against Israel for the blasts.
The pager explosion came amid escalating tensions on the border between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of Tel Aviv’s deadly war on the Gaza Strip. Israel’s attacks on Gaza have killed more than 41,200 people, mostly women and children, following Hamas’s offensive on October 7 last year. (I-2)
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