STORY: Israel's alleged attacks on Hezbollah communication devices spark outcry
SHOOTING TIME: Sept. 17-18, 2024
DATELINE: Sept. 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:37
LOCATION: Beirut
CATEGORY: MILITARY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of street views in Lebanon
2. pics of explosion sites
3. STANDUP (English): XIE HAO, Xinhua correspondent in Beirut
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): KHALED HAMADEH, Retired brigadier general

STORYLINE:

Israel's alleged attacks on communication devices used by Hezbollah in Lebanon have triggered widespread criticism from regional and international powers, raising fears of an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
   
Lebanese officials reported that explosions targeting pagers and handheld radios killed at least dozens of people, and injured more than 3,200 others, across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. The attacks, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for, came amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

STANDUP (English): XIE HAO, Xinhua correspondent in Beirut
"Local media reports said the blasts were caused by an Israeli military strike that targeted the batteries in these pagers, setting them off. The injured are being rushed to hospitals across the country. 
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has ordered the full mobilization of the Ministry of Public Health to make sure all the wounded get immediate care. 
Hezbollah, in a statement after the explosions, said they're investigating the cause. In another statement, the group directly blamed Israel for what they called a 'criminal attack' and promised to retaliate."

SOUNDBITE (Arabic): KHALED HAMADEH, Retired brigadier general 
"What happened today was disabling the communications system that Hezbollah opted to use instead of the mobile phones. We know that Hezbollah stopped using mobile phones after Israel was able to target the party's leaders and members as Israel managed to breach the system.
This could be that the source that provided Hezbollah with these pagers was breached by Israel who knew about these pagers and an electric wave had been sent to the wave band of the pagers which led to exploding them."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beirut.
(XHTV)