Iraq condemns Israeli pager attack on Lebanon, dispatches medical aid with Iran, Jordan and others

The governments of Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Jordan have condemned what they described as an "Israeli attack" on Lebanon, offering urgent medical assistance to help the victims. Meanwhile, Turkey has vowed to continue its efforts to prevent further Israeli aggression.

Thousands of people in Lebanon and Syria have been wounded and at least 12 killed when pagers belonging to Hezbollah-linked personnel and other individuals exploded on Tuesday, in a massive and unprecedented security breach blamed on Israel.

At least 12 people died, including two children and four medical personnel, and about 4,000 others were wounded.

In response to the situation, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani ordered the immediate deployment of Iraqi medical and emergency teams to Lebanon Tuesday evening. These teams aim to offer swift humanitarian relief to civilians who have been caught in the recent escalations.

Iraqi government spokesperson Basim Al-Awadi also added in a statement that the government is closely tracking the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. He attributed the attack to Israel.

Al-Awadi stressed that the ongoing Israeli aggression, combined with the potential for a broader conflict in Lebanon, necessitates urgent international intervention to prevent further escalation. He noted that recent violence in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and southern Lebanon has created a humanitarian crisis and underscored global action to halt "Israeli expansionism".

At the same time, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, condemned the alleged Israeli attack during an emergency session of the UN General Assembly, Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported.  Iravani described the attack, which reportedly disrupted communications in Beirut and caused mass casualties, as a "heinous crime." Among those injured was Iran's envoy to Lebanon.

Iravani demanded accountability for Israel's "unlimited brutality" and called on the international community to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities. He likened the situation to conditions outlined in the Genocide Convention, asserting that it is the responsibility of all nations to prevent such crimes.

In a gesture of solidarity, Jordan dispatched a Royal Jordanian Air Force plane filled with food, medical supplies, and relief items to Lebanon on Wednesday. The mission, organised by the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Hashemite Charity Organisation, aims to support Lebanon's strained healthcare system. The aid reflects the strong fraternal ties between the two nations and Jordan's commitment to providing assistance during times of crisis.

Turkey also expressed concern over the escalating situation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his condolences to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a phone call. Erdoğan expressed sorrow over the explosions in Lebanon and warned of "Israel's dangerous attempts to expand the Gaza conflict". He reassured Mikati that Turkey will continue its efforts to curb further Israeli aggression.

In a significant development, a senior Lebanese security source, along with another source, told Reuters that Israel's Mossad spy agency had planted explosives in 5,000 Taiwan-made pagers ordered by Hezbollah months before the explosions. 

The Lebanese security source reported that the pagers came from Taiwan-based Gold Apollo. However, the company denied manufacturing the devices, stating that they were produced by another company, BAC, which has a licence to use the Gold Apollo brand. No further details were provided.

Israel has not commented on the accusations or claimed responsibility for the attack. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has vowed to retaliate against Israel.