Author: Steven Sahiounie

The death toll from the wireless device explosions in Lebanon on Wednesday has risen to 20, with over 450 people injured, according to an updated statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Ministry Confirms New Casualties The Ministry reported, “The number of martyrs has increased to 20, with more than 450 wounded,” following the latest wave of coordinated attacks targeting wireless devices on Wednesday afternoon. Hezbollah issued multiple statements mourning its members killed in the attacks, confirming that 12 of its fighters were among the dead. Explosions Hit Beirut and Other Areas Hezbollah officials and state media reported explosions across…

A second wave of Israeli cyberattacks has struck Lebanon, resulting in 14 deaths and more than 450 injuries, according to early estimates. The explosions targeted wireless communication devices used by Hezbollah members, along with pagers, in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Explosions Target Wireless Devices Hezbollah officials and Lebanese state media reported explosions in Beirut and other areas across the country, indicating a second round of detonations involving electronic devices. The wireless communication devices and even solar-powered equipment were targeted a day after hundreds of pagers exploded. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that at least 14 people…

Despite Israel’s silence on the intelligence operation that triggered simultaneous explosions in thousands of wireless communication devices (pagers) used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, the attack highlights the role of Unit 8200, Israel’s secretive cyber warfare division. What is Unit 8200? Unit 8200, or “Shmone Mataim” in Hebrew, is Israel’s elite cyber intelligence unit within the military’s Intelligence Corps. Often compared to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) or the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), it is the largest military unit in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The unit’s roots date back to early cryptography and intelligence groups formed when…

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that Israel has entered a new phase in its conflict with Lebanon, with a shift in focus toward the northern front. Shift of Focus to the North Speaking at an Israeli Air Force base, Gallant said, “The center of gravity is moving north as we allocate more resources and forces to that region.” He emphasized that Israel is opening a new chapter in the war, which will require courage, determination, and perseverance. Collaboration Across All Levels Gallant stressed the importance of close cooperation between all organizations and levels of command during this…

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is created. He also condemned Israel for its “crimes” against the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Palestine Speaking on behalf of King Salman at the opening of the first session of the 9th Shura Council, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. He expressed the kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation’s actions against Palestinians. “The Palestinian issue remains a top priority for your country,” the Crown Prince said. “We…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On Tuesday afternoon, thousands of pagers exploded in Lebanon killing at least nine and injuring 2,800, including Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. More details will emerge in time, but it appears Israel, through their intelligence services, had planted explosives in the hand held communication devices used by the Lebanon resistance group Hezbollah. Some experts feel this may be Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s attack on August 25, which targeted the elite ‘cyber-spy’ unit 8200 in Glilot, which killed 22 operatives and wounded 74, according to a Lebanese news agency, which was confirmed by European…

On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss ways to strengthen joint efforts between Egypt, the United States, and Qatar. The focus of the talks was to advance ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Key Points from the Meeting In a statement, the Egyptian presidency highlighted that the discussions aimed at facilitating progress in ceasefire negotiations, the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Presidential spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy mentioned that Secretary Blinken conveyed greetings from President Biden. He also expressed appreciation for…

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Al-Abyad held a press conference on Wednesday, praising the swift response of the ministry and medical teams in treating the wounded, especially those in critical condition. Updated Casualty Numbers Al-Abyad stated, “The death toll has reached 12, including two children and several healthcare workers. There are also 300 in critical condition.” Some of the injured from the Bekaa region were transferred to Syria for further treatment. Blood banks received over 2,000 donations within just three hours after the explosion, a record event in Lebanon’s history. Hospital and Ambulance Response He added, “100 hospitals treated the injured…

Taiwan has become involved in the investigation of the pager explosions used by Hezbollah, for which Israel is being accused of orchestrating. Casualties from the Explosions On Tuesday, at least nine people were killed, and nearly 3,000 were injured when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously. Images of the destroyed devices, analyzed by Reuters, showed designs and labels matching those manufactured by Taiwan-based company Gold Apollo. A senior Lebanese security source informed Reuters that Hezbollah had ordered 5,000 pagers from the company. The Mysterious Fourth Party While Gold Apollo denied manufacturing the devices that exploded in Lebanon, the company…

Former Polish diplomat Witold Jurasz has described a quarrel at top-level talks with UkrainePolish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky had a serious disagreement during a trilateral meeting in Kiev last week, Polish columnist Witold Jurasz has claimed. The meeting last Friday also involved Gabrielius Landsbergis, the foreign minister of Lithuania. Officials were accompanied by their aides. Jurasz, who is a former diplomat, claimed on Monday that the negotiations were marred by antagonism, based on accounts from his sources. Zelensky was the cause of the tensions, according to the column published by the news outlet Onet. He…