World Offers Support, Condolences to Lebanon after Devastating Blasts

W460

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive and deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support the country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades as well as the coronavirus pandemic.

Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response.

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon."

Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid.

Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions".

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

"Stay strong, Lebanon."

Neighboring Israel also offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon, with which it is still technically at war.

"Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government -- via international intermediaries -- medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance," a statement read.

Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement.

"I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected."

Washington said it too would help.

"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected, and stand ready to offer all possible assistance," a State Department spokesperson said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities".

Comments 7
Missing charles.vaughn.961 04 August 2020, 23:29

My conspiracy guess: Someone planned and caused the explosion but it was much bigger than expected. Now other countries will feel obligated to sends hundreds of millions of dollars to help with the "recovery". Thousands of contracts will be given to people in the various political parties. Tens of thousands of Lebanese will get jobs to help with the rebuilding of Beirut and the port. The rich will get richer. Tens of millions of dollars will go into the pockets of politicians. If you can't get rid of corruption, just blow up Beirut.

Thumb Mystic 05 August 2020, 00:31

A real shock that hit us all.

Thumb canadianleb 05 August 2020, 01:05

This is the end of Lebanon may the country rest in Peace!!! I hope the politicians are happy for what they have accomplished in the past 30 years. GREAT JOB!!!

Missing phillipo 05 August 2020, 06:33

So now that Israel has offered humanitarian and medical aid to Lebanon following on the terrible explosion in Beirut Port, I can only presume that the Lebanese Government controlled by Hizballah will refuse this aid.

Missing phillipo 05 August 2020, 14:36

You show that your warped hatred of Jews and Israel is much more important to you thatn the welfare and safety of the people of Lebanon.
You want the Palestinians to go back to their homeland. But you are unwilling to allow the Jews to go back to their homeland. What exactly is the difference?

Default-user-icon prasanna somireddy (Guest) 05 August 2020, 07:43

My condolences to Brothers and Sisters of Lebaon.

Default-user-icon Youssef Merhi (Guest) 05 August 2020, 19:11

Lebanese wounded cross to Israel

On June 27 1989 the foreign ministers of Hungary and Austria cut the barbed wire separating their borders and people flooded from Hungary to Austria and to freedom. This very simple gesture led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today Israel is offering to take care of half of the Lebanese injured in the blast. If the families take their wounded across the border for care in Israel, this will change the entire Middle East. Start Crossing, and make this Disaster the start of a new Lebanon!