At least 8 people have been killed and 2,800 injured — 200 of them critically — by exploding pagers across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to the country's health minister, Paralel.Az reports citing NPR.

The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said the pagers belonged to the group’s officials and blamed Israel for orchestrating what appeared to be an unusual synchronized attack on Hezbollah’s communications system. It added that hundreds of fighters had such devices.

The attack raises fears of an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, and comes following warnings from Israeli officials of possible military action against the Lebanese group. In a statement, Hezbollah said Israel will “undoubtedly face its just punishment for this sinful aggression.”