Hezbollah has vowed retaliation against Israel after accusing it of orchestrating explosions that killed nine people and injured around 2,800 across Lebanon on Tuesday. According to Hezbollah, hundreds of pagers, used by its members, detonated in its strongholds in southern Lebanon, killing at least two fighters and a young girl.

Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed the number of casualties, reporting that 200 people were critically injured, with most injuries affecting the face, hands, and stomach. There were also reports that Iran's ambassador in Beirut was wounded in one of the explosions, though his injuries were said to be minor.

A report from The New York Times suggested that Israel hid explosive materials in Gold Apollo pagers, which were made in Taiwan and imported into Lebanon. The explosives were allegedly placed near the battery, with a remote switch used to trigger the devices. Gold Apollo, however, denied involvement, stating that the pagers in question were manufactured by a European company with a license to use its brand.

Hezbollah strongly condemned the attack, blaming Israel for what it called a "criminal aggression" and warning of retribution. Israel, according to Hezbollah's statement, would "certainly receive its just punishment" for the explosions.

The United States, Israel’s key ally and arms provider, denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the incident. Meanwhile, Hamas, which is currently at war with Israel in Gaza, labeled the pager blasts an "escalation" that would ultimately lead to Israel's downfall.

This incident occurred shortly after Israel announced its intention to expand military operations beyond Gaza to confront Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, amid ongoing hostilities that followed the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.