Qatar Airways has implemented a ban on all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) from bringing pagers and walkie-talkies on board. This restriction applies to checked baggage, carry-on items, and cargo, and will remain in effect until further notice. This measure comes in response to recent incidents involving explosions linked to these devices, which have resulted in tragic deaths and injuries.
In a statement on X, Qatar Airways announced that after receiving the directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Lebanon, they prohibited all passengers departing from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport from carrying any kind of pagers or walkie-talkies on their flights.
In the latest attacks on Wednesday, at least 20 people were killed and over 450 injured, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The situation escalated just a day earlier, when 12 individuals lost their lives and more than 2,800 were injured in a coordinated explosion involving pagers.
In a related development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched targeted strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, aimed at enhancing security in northern Israel and facilitating the return of residents to their homes. The IDF stated on X that they are actively targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon with the goal of weakening the group’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.
IDF claimed that for years, Hezbollah has exploited civilian homes, constructed tunnels underneath them, and used residents as human shields, effectively transforming southern Lebanon into a conflict zone. They said that the operations aim to restore security to northern Israel, facilitating the safe return of residents to their communities and fulfilling their strategic objectives.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, declared a “new phase” in the conflict, emphasizing the need to shift resources and attention to the northern front. He stated that their mission is clear: to ensure the safe return of northern communities to their homes, which requires a change in the security situation. Meanwhile, Lebanese Red Cross teams have been actively rescuing and evacuating the injured following the recent explosions.
