Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah declares pager attack ‘a declaration of war’ by Israel

SUMMARY

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah condemned Israel for the alleged pager and walkie-talkie explosions that killed 22 people and injured over 3,200 others. Nasrallah labeled the attack a “declaration of war,” claiming Israel’s goal was to kill more than 4,000 Hezbollah operatives, though he vowed that the terror group would retaliate. The explosions, which targeted Hezbollah’s communication devices, were allegedly part of an Israeli operation that rigged the devices months prior. Despite the heavy casualties and damages, Nasrallah asserted that Hezbollah remains unbroken and will continue its support for Hamas, with daily attacks against northern Israel ongoing. As Nasrallah delivered his speech, Israel launched new airstrikes in Lebanon, escalating tensions further. Both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have blamed Israel for the blasts, while Israel has not commented on the allegations.