The UKForeign Office has called for “calm and de-escalation” after hundreds of wireless communication devices, known as “pagers,” simultaneously exploded across Lebanon and parts of Syria.
A Foreign Office spokesperson stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon, and the UK is working with diplomatic and humanitarian partners in the region.
The human toll following these explosions is deeply distressing,” according to British news agency PA Media.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, including information on the pager explosions, advising British nationals in Lebanon to exercise caution, warning that hospitals may be overwhelmed.
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have been escalating, with near-daily clashes between the two sides since the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
On Tuesday, Israel announced that halting Hezbollah attacks in the north to allow residents to return home is now an official objective.
Lufthansa has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran airports following the explosions. The airline confirmed that all flights to and from these airports will be cancelled, and routes will bypass Israeli and Iranian airspace until Thursday.
Israel has raised its alert level in anticipation of an attack by Hezbollah, according to Israeli Army Radio.
Air defense systems, the air force, and the intelligence unit “Aman” have all been placed on high alert.
The heightened state of readiness is Israel’s most significant since the October 7 war in Gaza, following the assassination of prominent Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr nearly two months ago.
Despite the tension in Lebanon, reportedly linked to Israel, the replacement of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with Gideon Sa’ar remains a possibility.
Meanwhile, Israel’s “Kan 11” news channel reported that Israeli security forces believe Hezbollah is preparing to respond to the “Pager” attacks that took place on Tuesday. These attacks left 10 people dead and around 3,000 injured.
