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New Delhi: Several international leaders and key personalities cutting across borders and political lines expressed their solidarity and mourning over the massive explosion that ripped in the port area of the Lebanese capital Beirut on 4 August.
Leaders from countries including India, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iraq and Qatar, as well as many others, expressed their condolences over the blast.
The country’s Red Cross reported that the death toll had risen to over 100 and more than 4,000 were injured in the epic blast at the port, which caused extensive damage to life and infrastructure, across the capital.
India expresses shock and grief
New Delhi through an official release expressed its solidarity on the incident. The statement read, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is shocked and saddened by the large explosion in Beirut city leading to loss of life and property. He said, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured.’
Countries offer aid, assistance
Several countries have come forth offering aid to help Lebanon handle the fallout from the explosion, following an appeal from the government.
Israel offered aid despite the absence of relations between the two countries, which classify each other as enemy states. An official statement from the Israeli foreign ministry’s social media account read that Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi had offered ‘humanitarian medical assistance’ through ‘security and international channels.’
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif posted a tweet in Arabic and one in English, in which he said that ‘Iran’s 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.’ Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi spoke to his Lebanese counterpart Hassan Diab and said that Baghdad would send a plane filled with urgent medical and healthcare aid.
Kuwait’s Deputy Emir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah instructed that a shipment of medical aid be sent to Lebanon. His orders came as Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “‘full solidarity’ with Beirut. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was reported having spoken with Lebanese President Michel Aoun on phone. He offered immediate support following the blast, as well as his condolences for the victims.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan tweeted saying, ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with our Lebanese brothers and sisters during these trying times.’ UAE’s Vice President and Dubai Ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum similarly expressed his condolences.
Meanwhile, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani both offered their condolences to Lebanon. Similar sentiments and support were also offered by Tunisian President Kais Saied and Libya’s Presidency Council of the UN-backed Government of National Accord. Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said expressed his solidarity and sincere condolences in a phone call with the Lebanese president. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said that ‘the kingdom stands in support of the fellow people of Lebanon.’
Northeast African nation of Sudan has offered condolences to Lebanon’s ‘brotherly government and people’, expressing “‘full support and solidarity, and deep sympathy to the families of the victims.’
Bahrain’s foreign ministry also expressed its ‘deep regret, sorrow and solidarity’ with the victims of the blast in a statement. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit voiced solidarity with Lebanon, calling for ‘strong’ Arab and international support for the Lebanese people.
