ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The United Nations described that the recent explosion of communication devices in Lebanon as a possible war crime during an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Friday, with Arab and Iranian ambassadors accusing Israel of carrying out an act of “terrorism”.

Communication devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies that Hezbollah members were carrying exploded on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing 37 and wounding over 3,500, according to the latest figures published by the Lebanese Health Ministry. 

Israel was immediately blamed for sabotaging the pager devices, but Tel Aviv has yet to make any comment on the incident.

"International humanitarian law prohibits the use of booby-trap devices in the form of apparently harmless portable objects," Volker Turk, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the council, reiterating calls for an "independent, rigorous and transparent" investigation.

Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said that Israel was responsible for “a clear act of terrorism and a gross violation of international law,” holding the security council responsible for ensuring Israel’s accountability.

Iranian ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani was among those injured in Tuesday’s attack.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will earnestly pursue accountability for this attack against its ambassador in Lebanon and reserves its right under international law to take all necessary measures in response to this blatant violation,” said Iravani.

The Arab Group at the UN demanded the council condemn the attacks, blaming Israel for the blasts which the group claimed were conducted without any regard to humanity or international law.

"What is new is using modern technology to commit collective murder of civilians...transforming civilian objects into ticking time bombs," said Syrian Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak who spoke on behalf of the group.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said that “Israel has become a rogue State,” noting that the credibility of international law would be damaged if the council fails to condemn the attacks.

Samuel Zborgar of Slovenia, who holds the presidency of the council for September, described the attacks as unprecedented and “devastatingly coordinated,” stating that they have created “a climate of terror.”

He called for a thorough investigation and stressed that the council must uphold international law.

During a press conference on Friday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric voiced concern over the recent developments in Lebanon, calling on all parties to practice maximum restraint and warning that the region is “on the brink of a catastrophe.”