Iran blames Israel for explosions in Lebanon, offers support to injured
- In Reports
- 11:16 AM, Sep 18, 2024
- Myind Staff
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephonic conversation with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib on Tuesday, condemned Israel for a series of pager explosions across Lebanon, calling it "Israeli terrorism." The explosions, which targeted pagers held by Hezbollah members, resulted in nine deaths and left 2,800 injured, according to Lebanon's health minister.
During the phone call, Araghchi inquired about the condition of Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who was injured in the blasts. He expressed gratitude to Lebanon for the ambassador’s treatment and offered solidarity with the victims. "In a call with my Lebanese counterpart, strongly condemned Israeli terrorism. Expressed solidarity with victims—including a 10-year-old—and readiness to provide any aid. Also thankful for treatment of our injured Ambassador, emphasizing need for serious follow-up by Lebanese Govt,” Araghchi posted on X.
Araghchi also spoke with Amani’s wife, assuring her of Iran's support for his recovery and the possibility of transferring him to Tehran if necessary.
The explosions have been attributed to Israel by Hezbollah, which has vowed retribution. Lebanese officials urged citizens to discard pagers amid safety concerns. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have declined to comment on the matter, only stating that their advice to the public remains unchanged.
Jordan also expressed its readiness to assist Lebanon in dealing with the aftermath of the explosions. During a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for Lebanon's "security, sovereignty, and stability" and expressed readiness to provide "any medical assistance needed" for the injured, according to a statement from Jordan’s Foreign Ministry. Safadi also called for an end to the ongoing escalation in the region, urging an "immediate halt to the Israeli aggression on Gaza."
Hamas joined Hezbollah in blaming Israel for the explosions, releasing a statement that said, "We, in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), strongly condemn the Zionist terrorist aggression that targeted Lebanese citizens by detonating communication devices in various areas of Lebanese territories."
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that at least 170 people remain in critical condition, many suffering from injuries to the abdomen, hand, face, and eyes. Hospitals, particularly in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, are overwhelmed with injured patients. Over 100 hospitals have treated those affected by the explosions, while the Ministry of Health has called for health workers to report for duty and urged citizens to donate blood to meet the increasing demand.
Image source: ANI
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