Will the exploding pager attack be the spark that ignites an Israel-Hezbollah war?

The pager attack is just the latest in a string of operations that keeps imperilling any chances of a permanent Gaza ceasefire that could stabilise the region and contribute to the causes of peace rather than war, writes Amin Saikal

An ambulance carries wounded people whose handheld pager exploded in Beirut on Tuesday. The attack resulted in at least 11 deaths, including some of Hezbollah’s fighters, and up to 3,000 people wounded. Photo: AP/Hassan Ammar

The alleged Israeli attack on members of Hezbollah via their pagers is another ominous development propelling the Middle East towards a full-scale regional war. It leaves Hezbollah with little option but to retaliate with the full support of the Iran-led “axis of resistance”.

The sophistication and impact of targeting the pagers is unprecedented. The attack resulted in at least 11 deaths, including some of Hezbollah’s fighters, and up to 3,000 people wounded.