Iran-backed Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate following pager explosions in Lebanon it blames on Israel. The blasts will likely affect US Secretary of State Blinken’s trip to Egypt to push for a cease-fire.
Palestinian president visits Madrid after Spanish recognition
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas embarks on a two-day trip to Spain on Wednesday that will include talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI.
The visit follows Spain’s formal recognition of a Palestinian statecomprising the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The first Palestinian ambassador to Spain presented his credentials to King Felipe in Madrid on Monday.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Madrid’s decision in May to recognize a Palestinian state was “not against anyone, least of all Israel,” but it nevertheless drew a critical response from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the time called the move “a reward for terrorism.”
Spain has been more critical than most European governments of Israel’s military action in Gaza in recent months.
Abbas leads Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs the occupied West Bank but not the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Hamas militant group. Abbas’ talks with Sanchez were scheduled for Thursday.
In late May, Spain and Ireland became the first EU members to recognize a Palestinian state. Slovenia became the third in June. Norway, which is not a member of the EU, also recognized an independent Palestinian state.
Exploding Gold Apollo pagers made by BAC in Budapest, company says
Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company initially thought to have made the devices, said the Hungary-based firm BAC, which has a license to use the Gold Apollo brand and design, had actually manufactured the pagers.
“According to the cooperation agreement, we authorize BAC to use our brand trademark for product sales in designated regions, but the design and manufacturing of the products are solely the responsibility of BAC,” the statement read.
Experts have said that the explosive material was likely put into the pagers prior to delivery in what would have been a highly sophisticated supply chain infiltration operation.
Hezbollah vows to continue fight against Israel
A day after nine people died and thousands were injured when pagers belonging to Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon and in parts of Syria, the militant group has said it will not stop fighting.
The group said Israel, which has not commented on the attack, would receive “its fair punishment” for the incident and that they “will continue” the fight for Gaza.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah announced he will give a major speech on Thursday to address the “latest developments.”
