Over 73 killed, 3,000 injured as huge explosions rock Lebanon’s capital

Many countries have expressed solidarity and sympathy with Lebanon over the explosions that have dealt a further blow to the country already plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic crisis.

The Al-Jadeed TV reported that Iraq and Qatar will send field hospitals to Lebanon on Wednesday, while French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call with Aoun, promised to send support for Lebanon on Wednesday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday via his official Twitter account that Iran is ready to offer help to Lebanon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon,” Zarif tweeted. “As always, Iran is fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary.”
“Stay strong, Lebanon,” he added.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi also expressed sympathy with the Lebanese government and people over the incident, while announcing Iran’s readiness for providing help to the Arab country.

Iran is following the news on the incident with “deep grief” and “expresses solidarity with the Lebanese nation and government at this difficult time,” Mousavi said in a statement.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the massive casualties and damages caused by the huge explosions, during which two Turkish citizens were slightly injured.

“We wish God’s mercy on those who lost their lives in this incident, urgent healing to those who were injured, and condolences to the Lebanese people, friends and brothers,” the ministry said in a written statement.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi extended his condolences to Lebanon over the deadly explosions, and wished speedy recovery for those injured in the blasts.

“My sincere condolences and sympathy go to the government and people of Lebanon, over the tragic explosions that happened today in the Lebanese capital Beirut,” Sisi wrote on his official Facebook page.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday that his country is ready to provide any support it could to Lebanon to help it recover from the tragedy, while sending his condolences to the families of the victims.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said in a press statement that

Palestine is “ready to put all its capabilities” for the service of Lebanon and provide any needed assistance immediately.

Member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee Hanan Ashrawi also expressed sorrow over the “devastating tragedy” and her wishes for Beirut to overcome the calamity.

In the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Islamic Hamas movement, phoned President Aoun to express his support for Lebanon amidst the grave situation.

In a rare move, Israel on Tuesday offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon over the explosions.

“Israel addressed Lebanon through international security and political elements and offered the Lebanese government medical humanitarian assistance,”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry said in a joint statement.

Israel and Lebanon have no official ties and tensions have been rising on the Israel-Lebanon border recently.

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Source: Xinhua