Today in Focus How Lebanon’s pagers and walkie-talkies became deadly weapons
Sep 20, 2024
Will Christou, a Guardian journalist focused on Lebanon, discusses the recent deadly attacks involving pagers that turned into makeshift weapons. He highlights how this tragic fallout illuminates the vulnerabilities of personal communication tech in war zones. Julian Borgia, the Guardian's World Affairs Editor, analyzes the strategic motives behind targeting Hezbollah's communications, exploring the potential implications for future conflicts. The conversation underscores the escalating violence in Lebanon and its devastating impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
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Hospital Scene
- Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured families after the pager attacks.
- One woman, Malika, expressed terror, feeling unsafe everywhere.
Pagers and Casualties
- Hezbollah primarily used pagers to avoid Israeli hacking, a low-tech solution.
- Civilians, including a nurse and two children, were also casualties.
Hezbollah's Pager Use
- Hezbollah uses pagers to avoid Israeli hacking and maintain communication.
- Pagers work in areas with damaged infrastructure, unlike cell phones.