The death toll from today’s blasts in Lebanon has risen to 20, the country’s health ministry says.
We have not received an updated figure for how many have been injured, but Lebanon’s health ministry earlier said it was at least 450 people.
A second attack causing hand-held communication devices to explode in Lebanon – today walkie-talkies, yesterday pagers – saw more mass casualties and rising fears that the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah will escalate.
Here’s a brief rundown of the day:
Exploding walkie-talkies killed 20 and injured at least 450 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry
On Tuesday, exploding pagers killed 12, including two children, and left almost 3,000 injured
Multiple sources say Israel was targeting Hezbollah fighters in Tuesday’s explosions
Israel has not explicitly commented on the blasts, but has said today that it’s “opening a new phase in the war” and the “centre of gravity” is shifting to the north – where it borders Lebanon – with the “diversion of resources and forces”
A source later confirmed to the BBC that the 98th division of the Israeli military has relocated from Gaza to the north of Israel
We’re pausing our live coverage for now – but you can read our piece on how the day unfolded if you want more. We also have an explainer on what we know about the blasts and our international editor, Jeremy Bowen, calls the attack a “triumph for Israel”, but says that Hezbollah will not be deterred
Lebanon is on edge today, after thousands of devices exploded across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Yesterday, exploding walkie-talkies killed 20 people and injured at least 450. Exploding pagers killed 12 on Tuesday – including two children – and injured nearly 3,000.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says a “new phase” of the war is beginning and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is is “diverting forces, resources and energy” toward the country’s northern border with Lebanon.
We’ll be providing updates throughout the day from London, Beirut, and across the region, so stay with us.
Yesterday was the deadliest day in Lebanon since a new round of cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began nearly a year ago, stoked by the war in Gaza.
Israel is reportedly now moving more of its forces to the northern border with Lebanon. In comments last night declaring a “new phase” of war, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant said “the centre of gravity” was moving north.
The entire region will now be listening closely when Hassan Nasrallah – the head of Hezbollah – speaks in a televised address this afternoon, expected at 15:00 BST.
His Iran-backed armed group has been hurt and humiliated by the extraordinary attacks on its communications network – and has vowed “just punishment”.
