Egypt Offers Aid to Lebanon Following Deadly Pager Device Explosions

Egypt has expressed its readiness to provide medical assistance to Lebanon in the aftermath of deadly explosions involving pager devices. The blasts, which occurred in various parts of the country, have left thousands injured and several dead, most of them members of Hezbollah.

During a phone call on Tuesday evening, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti conveyed his condolences to his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, and assured him of Egypt’s full support in this time of crisis. Abdel-Atti emphasized Egypt’s willingness to help treat the injured and provide any necessary aid, stating, “Egypt stands by Lebanon during this difficult time.”

The explosions involved pager communication devices, which reportedly detonated while being carried by Hezbollah members across different locations in Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, over 2,500 Hezbollah members were injured, and at least nine people, including a child, lost their lives in the blasts. Health Minister Firas Abiad confirmed that the majority of the injured were Hezbollah members and appealed for urgent blood donations as hospitals across the country struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.

Hezbollah, Lebanon’s influential militant and political group, described the incident as a significant security breach and accused Israel of being behind a cyberattack that caused the pager devices to explode. In a strongly-worded statement, Hezbollah declared, “This treacherous act will not go unpunished. The enemy will face justice for this crime, both in ways they expect and in ways they do not.”

Hezbollah’s accusation against Israel heightens the already tense situation in the region, with the group vowing to retaliate.

Egypt has pledged to send medical aid and personnel to assist in treating the injured. In his call with Bou Habib, Foreign Minister Abdel-Atti emphasized that Egypt is prepared to provide all necessary help, reaffirming the country’s solidarity with Lebanon. Abdel-Atti also expressed Egypt's hope for a swift recovery for those wounded in the explosions.

As the Lebanese health system faces overwhelming pressure, the government has issued an urgent plea for blood donations to help treat the thousands of injured, many of whom are in critical condition.