Following a second wave of bombings in Lebanon that targeted communication devices by Hezbollah and general public of Lebanon, including paramedics, security firms and scientists.  Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that at least 20 people have died and over 450 have been injured. The blasts on Wednesday struck strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, compounding the chaos from a similar attack a day earlier.

The devices, believed to be walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members, paramedics, security firms and others detonated in public areas causing public panic and chaos. “There was a car that exploded just behind us. Chaos is everywhere,” reported Ali Hashem, an Al Jazeera correspondent in Tyre. Hezbollah’s media office confirmed that its communications systems were targeted, raising suspicions of Israeli involvement.

The explosions came as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared the beginning of a “new phase in the war,” although he did not directly address the blasts. The attacks on Lebanon’s devices have heightened fears of a broader conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

The blasts occurred during funerals for some of the victims of Tuesday’s attack, adding to the already volatile situation. One Hezbollah official described the incident as the “biggest security breach in the group’s history.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for “maximum restraint” as Lebanon braces for further escalation.

Sources: BBC, The NewYork Times, Reuters, AP, Al-Jazeera