After the two powerful explosions that left at least 27 dead and 2,500 injured in Lebanon, Emmanuel Macron expressed his "fraternal solidarity with the Lebanese". The head of state indicated that France was in the process of delivering material and human aid to Beirut. 

"France stands alongside Lebanon. Always." While the two very strong explosions in Beirut left at least 27 dead and 2,500 injured, Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Tuesday evening to express his "fraternal solidarity with the Lebanese". In his message posted before 9 pm, the Head of State indicates that "French aid and resources are being transported to the site".

I express my fraternal solidarity with the Lebanese after the explosion which caused so many victims and damage this evening in Beirut. France stands alongside Lebanon. Always. French aid and resources are being delivered to the site.

- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 4, 2020

France's condolences

Shortly before the presidential tweet, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday evening that France was on "Lebanon's side". "France stands and will always stand alongside Lebanon and the Lebanese. (...) While Beirut has just been severely affected by explosions, France offers its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the many injured ", he said.

Two powerful explosions rocked Beirut on Tuesday, causing panic and causing a huge mushroom of smoke in the sky of the Lebanese capital. In an initial reaction from an official, General Security Director General Abbas Ibrahim said the explosions may have been due to "explosives confiscated for years", but added that the ongoing investigation should determine "the exact nature of the incident".