Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab has urged his country’s allies to help Lebanon overcome the repercussions of the disaster. He has declared Wednesday a national mourning day for the victims of Beirut explosions. Worldwide celebrities and world leaders mourn the massive blast that rocked that entire Beirut.
The blast sent a shockwave across the capital city of Lebanon shattering windows and damaging homes for miles. Many people are reported dead so far, while around 4,000 wounded and many more missing.
Several celebrities shared information about how to donate to disaster relief efforts while others have sent prayers for the victims.
World leaders offer support and prayers
Pakistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan mourned and expressed great sorrow over the massive blast in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. “We stand with our Lebanese brothers,” he said in a tweet.
Deeply pained to hear of the massive explosions in Beirut with precious lives lost & thousand injured.We stand in solidarity with our Lebanese brethren in their difficult hour, sharing their sorrow & grief. May Allah grant speedy recovery to the injured & strength to the bereaved
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 5, 2020
France and Germany
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity with the Lebanese and said France was sending resources to the site of the blast. “I express my fraternal solidarity with the Lebanese after the explosion which claimed so many victims and damages this evening in Beirut. France stands alongside Lebanon. Always. French aid and resources are being transported on the spot [of the explosion],” Macron wrote in French on Twitter.
The German foreign ministry confirmed staff at the German embassy were wounded in the explosion.
Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Tehran was ready to assist in any way and urged Lebanon to stay strong.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon.
As always, Iran is fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary.
Stay strong, Lebanon.
???
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) August 4, 2020
Israel
Israel said it had offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon via foreign channels, as the neighbors have no diplomatic relations.
“Under the direction of Minister of Defence Benny Gantz and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel approached Lebanon through international defense and diplomatic channels to offer the Lebanese government medical humanitarian aid,” Gantz wrote on Twitter.
Malaysia
Where all of the world mourn, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein also expressed his country’s grief over the Beirut blast, and offered to help in ‘any way’.
Malaysia stands together in grief as our thoughts and prayers accompany the strong people of ?? Lebanon. We stand ready to support any way we can. Initial reports from our @MYEmbBeirut show that all Malaysians there are safe and have been advised to stay at home #PrayForLebanon pic.twitter.com/tpJJ8HAo5x
— Hishammuddin Hussein ?? (@HishammuddinH2O) August 5, 2020
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also showed its ‘full support’ to the people of Lebanon.
#Statement | We affirm the Kingdom's full support and solidarity with the brotherly people of #Lebanon.
— Foreign Ministry ?? (@KSAmofaEN) August 4, 2020
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson along with other leaders of the world mourn and expressed his readiness to help Lebanon in any possible way after the Beirut blast.
The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking. All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident. The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 4, 2020
United States
US President Donald Trump said he sent his sympathies to Lebanon for the dozens of people killed and thousands wounded in the blast. He also offered US help. “The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon,” Trump said at a White House briefing. “We will be there to help. It looks like a terrible attack.”
World celebrities send prayers to the victims
Worldwide celebrities mourn and all the leaders of the world have been praying for the victim of the deadly blast in Beirut. The explosion sent shockwaves across the Beirut city, causing widespread damage as far as the outskirts of the capital.
Shocking. Terrifying. I’m speechless. Deepest condolences to everyone caught up with this unfurling disaster in Lebanon. ??
— Esra Bilgiç (@esbilgic) August 4, 2020
This is devastating news!
I pray for the departed souls and all those who have been injured in the blasts in Beirut, Lebanon.
My heart goes out to you and your families??#Beirut #PrayForBeirut #PrayForLebanon pic.twitter.com/NvjW9NESvp— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) August 5, 2020
my heart, strength and condolences are with Lebanon and everyone affected by this tragedy.
please support / donate if you’re able to, i will be doing so too. https://t.co/8ACJFzxl69— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 4, 2020
The footage coming in from Beirut is truly devastating. My heart grieves for all the people suffering… ?
Sending them lots of prayers and love #Beirut #BeirutExplosion #Lebanon— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) August 4, 2020
This is awful. Absolutely devastating. Sending all my love and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. #Beirut ?? https://t.co/xNVA3KLWRC
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) August 4, 2020
When your mind does not want to believe what your eyes have just seen. #Beirut and it’s people in my thoughts .. ?
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 4, 2020
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. Officials linked the blast to some 2,750 tons of confiscated ammonium nitrate that were being stored in a warehouse at the port for six years. However, analysts and theorists have been keen on involving Israel in the process. One conspiracy theory suggests that the blast in Beirut was not one of chance, but a planned move by the Israel Defence Force.
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