The wave of pager explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday could fuel a major escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to media analysis.
Eight people were killed, and over 2,800 others, including Hezbollah members, were wounded on Tuesday in different areas of Lebanon as their pagers exploded, said Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad.
In a statement, Hezbollah said it is conducting security and scientific investigations to identify the reasons behind these explosions, adding that the group is "at the highest level of readiness to defend Lebanon and its people"
In a separate statement, the Shiite group blamed Israel for "this criminal attack", vowing to retaliate.
Israel has yet to comment on Tuesday's blasts. According to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a security assessment meeting at the HaKirya military base in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to address the implications of the explosions.
China Media Group reporter Zhao Bing in Jerusalem reported later on Tuesday on what may have caused the pager explosions and the possible impact of the attack, citing reports from media outlets in the region.
"Regarding the method of the attack, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation and Channel 12 and other media outlets, citing the analyses of professionals, believe that the wave of explosions may be caused in two ways. One is to use hacking methods to carry out large-scale cyber attacks on thousands of pagers at the same time, resulting in its lithium battery short circuit or overload, thereby causing an explosion. The other is to place explosives in the pagers in advance. Qatar's Al Jazeera quoted a source from the Lebanese security department as saying that the batch of pagers that exploded were intercepted by Israel's intelligence service, the Mossad, five months ago before being delivered to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a trace amount of explosives of less than 20 grams were placed inside the pagers. However, as of now, it is difficult to fully confirm the above reports," Zhao said.
"It is worth noting that the attack occurred at a sensitive time when Israel issued a comprehensive threat to Hezbollah and the conflict may be significantly escalated. Late at night on Sept. 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a government security cabinet meeting and decided to make 'the return of evacuees from northern Israel to their homes' as the fourth military goal of the Israeli government. This also means that Israel has officially incorporated the military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon into its military strategy that has been going on for nearly a year, and intends to proactively escalate the conflict," Zhao said.
"According to Israeli media analysis, in this case, if Israel launched this attack, its purpose may be, first, to send a clear signal to Hezbollah in Lebanon that Israel will take any possible means to attack it and will continue to escalate pressure; second, to prevent and disrupt Hezbollah's possible attacks on Israel; third, to take advantage of the opportunity when Hezbollah is in chaos or even partially paralyzed to launch a large-scale military operation against it. However, the media also believes that large-scale military operations will not restore security in northern Israel, but will further intensify the conflict and plunge the entire region into a quagmire of long-term war," Zhao said.
"Local media reported that in response to possible counterattacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel's Haifa Port, Ben Gurion International Airport and other important infrastructure are ready to launch emergency plans. And many large airlines such as Air France and Lufthansa have announced that all flights scheduled to fly to Israel on Wednesday would be canceled," Zhao said.
Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since Oct. 8, 2023, when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted. Hezbollah stated that its attacks on Israel were intended to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah pager explosions could feul major escalation of conflict: analysis
Hezbollah pager explosions could feul major escalation of conflict: analysis
A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.
Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.
"I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."
Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."
The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.
"Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.
David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."
Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.
"My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.
Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."
In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.
"This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.
In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan