Lebanese Minister of Health Firas Al-Abyad announced: "The martyrdom of 8 people, including a child, and the injury of about 2,800 others so far due to the explosion of "Pager" devices. The Lebanese Ministry of Health issued an urgent statement regarding the Israeli bombing of hand-held wireless communication devices of "Hezbollah" elements using high-tech technology in more than one area of the country. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center affiliated with the Ministry of Public Health said in a statement: "Large numbers of people with various injuries are flocking to Lebanese hospitals, and it has been initially found that the injuries are related to the explosion of wireless devices that were in the possession of the injured." Accordingly, the Ministry asked all hospitals in various Lebanese regions, especially in areas adjacent to the places where the injuries occurred, "to be on high alert and raise their level of readiness to meet the urgent need for emergency health services, and to remain i n coordination with the Ministry of Public Health to quickly distribute the injuries and ensure the speed of starting their treatment." The Ministry called on all citizens who own wireless communication devices to stay away from them until it becomes clear the truth of what is happening. The Ministry of Public Health also issued a second statement, which read: "Following the large number of injuries recorded this afternoon, the Ministry of Public Health requests all health workers to urgently head to their workplaces in order to contribute to providing emergency treatment to the large number of injured who are being transferred to hospitals." The Ministry also asked citizens who gather on the roads to make room for ambulances to move quickly and transport the injured. The Ministry issued an appeal to coordinate with the Lebanese Red Cross to donate blood in anticipation of the possible need for blood units for the injured." The Ministry stressed to all hospitals "the necessity of receiving the injured and ensuring their rapid treatment at the expense of the Ministry." Source: National Iraqi News Agency