International Criminal Responsibility for Pager Device Explosions (A Case Study of the Incidents in Lebanon)

Majeed, Marwah Makki

doi:10.37651/aujlps.2025.159706.1505

	International Criminal Responsibility for Pager Device Explosions (A Case Study of the Incidents in Lebanon)
Journal of Anbar University for Law and Political Sciences
Article 46, Volume 15, Issue: 2 part 1, September 2025, Pages 1225-1247 PDF (825.3 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37651/aujlps.2025.159706.1505
Author
Marwah Makki Majeed^*
Southern Technical University-college of Heaith and Medical Technologies in Basra
Abstract
In 2024, Lebanon experienced deadly explosions caused by personal communication devices known as “pagers.” These devices were secretly rigged with small explosives and detonated while in the possession of civilians and members of Hezbollah’s military wing. The attacks, allegedly carried out by Israel amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, resulted in numerous casualties without traditional combat—using instead an unconventional, booby-trapped weapon. This incident raises critical legal questions about its classification and the appropriate judicial forum. Could it be considered an act of international terrorism, or does it qualify as one of the four core international crimes under the Rome Statute? Some argue it constitutes a war crime, given the context of an armed conflict and the indiscriminate, disproportionate nature of the attacks. Others view it as a crime against humanity due to its widespread and systematic execution. The study concludes with key findings and recommendations regarding international legal accountability. Then we end with a conclusion that includes the most important results and recommendations.
Keywords
Pager; Terrorist Crime; International Crime; National Courts; International Criminal Court

Statistics Article View: 125 PDF Download: 63