Lebanon in Shock: How Pager Attacks Unleashed Fear and Uncertainty

Lebanon is once again caught in the grip of conflict as the country reels from a series of deadly pager attacks that have left the population in shock. The explosions, which are believed to have been carried out by Israeli forces, caused widespread devastation across Beirut and southern Lebanon. Over two days, these blasts killed 42 people and injured nearly 3,500, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory.

On Thursday, Lebanon witnessed a grim scene as dozens of funerals were held for those killed in the blasts. One such funeral, held in southern Beirut, was over almost as soon as it began. Unlike the usual long ceremonies for Hezbollah’s fallen fighters, this one was cut short. Women accompanied the pallbearers, burying their loved one quickly. Within minutes, the mourners dispersed, moving past army checkpoints set up for the occasion.

The brevity of the ceremony mirrored the urgency and fear that has gripped Lebanon since the attacks began. Saeed, a young driving instructor, recalled the horror of being near an explosion at another funeral. “We’ve never seen an attack like this, everyone was shocked,” he said. His friend’s father lost his eyesight in the blast, a devastating reminder of the violence that has engulfed the nation.

The attacks have cast a shadow over Lebanon, leaving many in a state of fear and confusion. The situation escalated further when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah made his first public statement since the attacks. His speech, delivered with an uncharacteristically soft tone, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Nasrallah admitted that Lebanon had suffered a major blow but assured his followers that the resistance would continue.

“There is no doubt that we have been exposed to a major security and humanitarian blow,” Nasrallah said, his voice reflecting the weariness of a nation on edge. He vowed that the attacks would not break Hezbollah’s resolve and that the group would continue fighting until a ceasefire in Gaza was achieved.

But as Nasrallah spoke, the sounds of war continued to echo across Lebanon. Israeli fighter jets flew low over Beirut, releasing flares and producing sonic booms that rattled the city. In the Achrafieh district, residents stood on their balconies, watching the spectacle unfold as the noise reverberated through the city.

In the south, the Christian town of Rmeish, located near the Lebanese-Israeli border, faced its own fears. Father Najib al-Amil, a local priest, described the unnerving proximity of the airstrikes. “Planes are everywhere,” he said, his voice tinged with worry. “We are isolated, tired and scared.” While Rmeish has largely been spared from the violence, the community remains on edge, uncertain of what the future holds.

The attacks have left Lebanon teetering on the edge of further conflict. Just weeks earlier, Nasrallah had declared that Lebanon could “relax” following Hezbollah’s retaliation for the assassination of its military chief of staff. But that sense of calm was short-lived, as Lebanon now faces the possibility of a broader war.

As Israel’s defense minister announced that the war was entering a new phase, speculation grew that Israel may be preparing for a larger offensive. Images of tanks moving toward northern Israel circulated on social media, fueling fears of a full-scale invasion.

Yet amid the fear and uncertainty, Hezbollah’s supporters remain loyal. Many believe that Nasrallah’s leadership will guide them through this crisis. “Our leadership is wise,” Saeed said. “They will choose what the retaliation will be. It doesn’t have to happen now.”

For Lebanon, the pager attacks have once again thrust the nation into a state of turmoil. Its people are weary from decades of conflict, yet resilient in their determination to persevere. As the country stands at the brink of further escalation, its citizens are left with a painful truth: they are isolated, tired, and scared, but they must carry on.