Hezbollah is an armed group backed by iran. And this explosion comes at a time of heightened tension between hezbollah and israel. We know the group had been advising its members to use pagers because of concerns israel could tamper with or access mobile phones. Here s more on today s events from paul adams, and a warning that it starts with some upsetting images. This was a devastating attack. . . . . In supermarkets, on the street, in cars, at home and even in barbershops. Thousands of hezbollah members simultaneously injured by exploding pagers. Incidents reported from all over lebanon, from beirut to the bekaa valley, and even in neighbouring syria. Hospitals suddenly inundated. Each explosion may have been small, but men lost fingers and eyes. Some had gaping wounds to their hips where the pagers were worn. Nine people are believed to have died, including one child. Israel is saying nothing about these extraordinary attacks. Frankly, it s hard to think of anyone else remotely capa
In the past couple of hours, americas top diplomat, Antony Blinken, has arrived back in israel from egypt, where he was trying to persuade officials to reopen the border point. Egypts Foreign Minister is reported as saying israel had not yet taken a stance that would allow the crossing to open. Over the weekend, hes held talks in six arab states, wanting to alleviate gazas humanitarian crisis and stop the war escalating. He returns to israel, as it prepares a major Ground Operation in the gaza strip. We are expecting a News Conference shortly involving Antony Blinken and we will bring you that as soon as it begins. This is a fast moving story, but here are some other key points. The United Nations is warning that Hospital Fuel Reserves in gaza are likely to run out in the next 2a hours potentially Endangering Thousands of patients. Conditions in the territory are worsening, with shortages of food, water and aid. At least 2,750 people have been killed. Palestinian sources say israels ai