Hezbollah devices explode again in Lebanon, raising fears of wider Israel conflict
(VOVWORLD) - Hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah detonated on Wednesday across Lebanon's south in the country's deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel nearly a year ago, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the group's pagers the day before.
Lebanon's health ministry said 20 people were killed and more than 450 injured in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.
Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts but Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, “We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us.”
Hezbollah, which has vowed to retaliate against Israel, said on Wednesday it attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets, the first strike at Israel since the blasts. The Israeli military said there were no reports of any damage or casualties.