In a devastating series of explosions across southern Lebanon on Wednesday, 20 people were killed, and more than 450 injured, marking the country's deadliest day since Hezbollah's cross-border skirmishes with Israel began nearly a year ago. The blasts, linked to handheld radios used by Hezbollah, followed the previous day's explosions of thousands of the group's pagers, which left 12 dead, including two children, and nearly 3,000 injured.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the fatalities and injuries were concentrated in the suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. The explosions occurred amid mounting tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israeli officials staying silent on the blasts, though security sources have pointed to Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, as responsible for the operation. Hezbollah, which acknowledged the massive breach of its security systems, stated it was the largest in the group’s history.

The explosions of Hezbollah’s communication devices have thrown the group into disarray, as Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “new phase in the war,” heightening concerns of a regional escalation. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, accused Israel of dangerously pushing the Middle East toward a broader conflict, as Israel continued its 11-month-old war in Gaza. While the U.S. denied involvement, officials confirmed Israel had informed Washington of a planned action in Lebanon but withheld details.

Wednesday’s blasts targeted funerals organized by Hezbollah for those killed the day prior. Panic ensued as Hezbollah members scrambled to disarm unexploded walkie-talkies. The two-way radios, marked with the Japanese brand ICOM, were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, with some security experts suggesting the devices had been rigged with explosives by Israeli agents before reaching Hezbollah.

As tensions soar, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss the escalating violence, following a request from Arab states. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon was also injured in Tuesday’s blasts, with conflicting reports on the extent of his injuries. Iran has vowed to retaliate under international law, citing the need for necessary measures against Israel.

In response to the blasts, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israeli artillery positions, marking the first direct retaliation. Israel reported no casualties from the strikes but indicated its military is shifting focus to the Lebanese border, deploying additional troops from Gaza, including elite commando and paratrooper units.

The blasts have further destabilized Lebanon, which has been grappling with multiple crises, including an economic collapse and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The heightened tensions also jeopardize international efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, led by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.

Hezbollah’s communication network appears compromised, and analysts believe the explosions are part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken the group’s infrastructure ahead of further military action. A statement from Hezbollah indicated it would continue supporting Hamas in Gaza and promised a significant response to the destruction of its pagers.

The explosions, along with the assassinations of key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in recent weeks, have deepened fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. Wednesday’s explosions occurred during funerals for some of those killed the previous day, amplifying the devastation and anger among Hezbollah supporters.

Lebanon’s Red Cross mobilized 30 ambulance teams to assist with the multiple explosions in Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. At least 60% of the wounded treated in hospitals have suffered severe eye and hand injuries, with some patients also facing brain damage, highlighting the scale of the destruction.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to address the situation in a speech on Thursday, as tensions in the region continue to rise.