The Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, announced that the investigation into the explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut will examine the hypothesis that it occurred as a result of negligence or outside interference, and with the announcement of the rise in the number of victims of the explosion to 154, and the announcement of American, British and Arab aid, the World Health Organization called for a collection of 15 million Dollars, to cover emergency health needs in Lebanon, after the devastating explosion in Beirut Port.
In detail, the Lebanese President told local media yesterday that the investigation into the devastating explosion will examine the possibility that it occurred as a result of negligence or outside interference, according to his office.
In his statements published by the media and confirmed by his office, Aoun said: “The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, as there is a possibility of external interference via a missile, bomb or any other act, and I asked the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to provide aerial photos to find out what happened, and that The French did not have it. We will request it from another source. ”
He added that the investigation into the explosion, which occurred in a warehouse containing highly explosive materials on Tuesday, is based on three levels: first, on how these explosive materials were entered and stored in Ward No. 12. The second was whether the explosion was caused by negligence or a judgment and destiny. The third is the possibility that there was outside interference that led to this accident.
For his part, the Lebanese Minister of Public Health, Hamad Hassan, announced during his reception of an Algerian medical delegation, which came to Lebanon to contribute to the rescue operations, that "the number of victims has risen to 154".
He pointed out that "20% of the wounded, which numbered about 5000, needed hospitalization, while the number of critical cases is 120, especially since the flying glass led to severe injuries that require delicate surgeries."
The search for the missing under the rubble continues.
Dozens of young people, from all regions of Lebanon, are undertaking individual initiatives to help those affected, whose homes and shops were hit in some Beirut streets. They contribute to removing the rubble, and securing food and water for the needy.
On the other hand, the Secretary-General of the High Relief Commission, Major General Muhammad Khair, announced that there are about 8,000 damaged buildings in Beirut.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Beirut announced aid worth more than $ 17 million, after the explosion, and the British embassy announced that a ship would sail to Lebanon as part of the military support package, and Arab planes arrived at Beirut airport loaded with aid.
The US embassy in Beirut announced, in a statement, that "in response to the horrific tragedy of August 4, the United States pledged to provide primary aid to Lebanon's disasters, worth more than $ 17 million, including food aid and medical supplies, as well as financial aid to the Lebanese Red Cross."
For its part, the British embassy announced, in a statement, that "Her Majesty's ship (Enterprise), a naval survey ship belonging to the British Royal Navy, will sail to Lebanon as part of a broad package of military support provided by the Ministry of Defense." The statement added, "This marine survey ship will head to Lebanon, to assess the damage caused to the Beirut port after the explosion, and to help restore the port's operations to normal."
Yesterday morning, the first batch of relief aid from the Sultanate of Oman arrived at Beirut airport, upon orders of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and included 22 tons of various medical supplies.
For its part, the World Health Organization appealed for $ 15 million to cover emergency health needs in Lebanon.
The WHO regional office for the Middle East said in a statement that the explosion, which killed more than 154 and injured more than 5,000, also destroyed 17 containers containing WHO medical supplies, including personal protective equipment.
Abul-Gheit to Beirut on a visit of solidarity today
The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Abul-Gheit, heads to Beirut today, Saturday, in solidarity with Lebanon following the disaster of the Beirut Port explosion, according to a statement by the League on Friday.
The statement said that the aim of the visit is to show solidarity and mobilize Arab and international support to help Lebanon face the consequences of the recent disaster, which could be extended for a period of time, especially in light of the huge financial and economic difficulties that Lebanon is currently facing.
In the statement, Abul-Gheit called for immediate international action to help Lebanon face the horrific disaster it is going through. Cairo ■ AFP
President of the European Council visits Beirut
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, is visiting Beirut today, to affirm Europe's solidarity with the Lebanese people and to meet with officials, after the devastating explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday.
He wrote in a tweet: "In a state of shock and sadness, we stand with all those affected by the explosion, and we will provide assistance."
The Belgian official will meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Hassan Diab. BRUSSELS ■ AFP