Ayatollah Sistani receives individuals wounded in Lebanon pager explosions

NAJAF — Shia Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani met Sunday with individuals wounded in last year’s pager device explosions in Lebanon, including a young child who lost an eye in the blasts, according to a source speaking to 964media.

During the meeting in Najaf, Al-Sistani presented a ring to Sam Hassan Zein Al-Din, a Lebanese child injured in the coordinated attacks. In a video released after the visit, the child confirmed receiving the ring from the cleric during the encounter.

The explosions occurred on Sept. 17 and 18, 2024, when a series of handheld pagers and walkie-talkies exploded simultaneously across Lebanon. The devices, reportedly used by Hezbollah, had been rigged with explosives. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 42 people killed, including 12 civilians, and more than 3,500 wounded.

Investigations suggested Israeli intelligence intercepted the shipments and planted the explosives before the devices reached Hezbollah operatives.

In response to the incident, Iraq sent a military plane carrying 15 tons of medical supplies and a team of healthcare workers to Beirut. Al-Sistani also issued a statement at the time expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.

Al-Sistani, one of the most influential Shia clerics in the world, is widely regarded as the top religious authority in Iraq and a leading marja for millions of Shia Muslims globally.