The detonation of numerous mobile communication devices associated with Hezbollah has instilled widespread fear throughout Lebanon, with many citizens anxious about the possibility of carrying explosives in their pockets. At least 37 individuals lost their lives, and over 3,000 were injured following two waves of explosions involving first pagers and then walkie-talkies utilized by Hezbollah members on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both Lebanon and Hezbollah attribute the attacks to Israel.

Following these incidents, unfounded rumors have circulated regarding other mobile phones and even household appliances potentially exploding. Mustafa Jemaa, an electronics shop owner in the southern city of Sidon, stated that he had removed certain stock from his store. “We had some devices here that we believed were completely safe, but out of an abundance of caution, we decided to take them out… because we became concerned,” he remarked.

On Thursday, the Lebanese army urged citizens to report any suspicious items, noting that they were conducting controlled detonations of pagers and other devices suspected of being rigged. Additionally, Lebanese civil aviation authorities announced a ban on walkie-talkies and pagers being taken on flights or shipped by air, as reported by the National News Agency.

The casualties from Tuesday’s explosions included Hezbollah fighters, medical personnel, and administrative staff, with at least two children among the deceased, killed by the explosion of pagers owned by their fathers. “Naturally, we are frightened; my children, my siblings’ children, all of us. Who can feel secure in this environment?” expressed Mustafa Sibai, a resident of Beirut.

“Upon learning about the events of yesterday, I left my phone on my motorcycle and walked away,” he stated. Ziad Makari, the information minister in Lebanon’s caretaker government, acknowledged that panic was a natural response, emphasizing that the attack represented “a new type of crime for the Lebanese” and had impacted individuals in their homes, workplaces, and daily routines.

However, he also remarked, “There are numerous rumors circulating—claims of an intercom explosion, a solar power system explosion, a television explosion, and a smartphone explosion.” He added, “There is a significant amount of misinformation… a lot of fake news, and this is not helpful in any way.”