More than four million people, including one million refugees, are at immediate risk of losing access to safe water in Lebanon. UNICEF has estimated that most water pumping will gradually cease across the country in the next four to six weeks.

Lebanon faces water crisis, supply on verge of collapse

Lebanon's deepening economic crisis has piled pressure on hospitals, leaving them ill-equipped to face any new wave of the coronavirus, a top hospital director has warned.

Already struggling with shortages of medicine and an exodus of staff abroad, the country's health facilities are now also having to contend with almost round-the-clock power cuts.

"All hospitals... are now less prepared than they were during the wave at the start of the year," said Firass Abiad, the manager of the largest public hospital in the country battling Covid.

"Medical and nursing staff have left, medicine that was once available has run out," and ever lengthening cuts to the mains power supply have left hospitals under constant threat.

Even the Rafik Hariri University Hospital he runs has been struggling to cope.

"We only get two to three hours of mains electricity, and for the rest of the time it's up to the generators," Abiad said.

On top of worrying they could burn out, "we have the huge burden of having to constantly be on the hunt for fuel oil."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-public-water-system-on-the-verge-of-collapse-warns-unicef-400293">Also read |&nbsp;Lebanon's public water system on the verge of collapse, warns UNICEF</a>

Huge demand for the increasingly scarce commodity has driven up prices&nbsp;by more than 80 percent since June 17.

Even at the prestigious RHUH, some medicines are routinely running out.

"Some days it's antibiotics, others it's anaesthetics," the hospital chief said.&nbsp;

Sometimes "we're forced to ask the patients' relatives to go and try to find the medicine from another hospital or a pharmacy."

'Could be catastrophic'

After dropping over the spring, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again as Lebanese expats flood home for the summer, and many gather with family and friends.

On Thursday alone, 98 people tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival at Beirut airport, the health ministry said.

"It could be catastrophic if this rise in coronavirus numbers leads to a spike like the one we saw at the start of the year," Abiad said.

Abiad said the solution was better social distancing and more inoculations in a country where just 15 percent of the population have been fully vaccinated.

On Thursday, private hospitals warned of a looming "catastrophe" as some were only hours away from running out of fuel to power their generators.

The following day, pharmacies said they were going on indefinite strike over persistent shortages of medicines, just weeks after drug importers said the central bank owed millions of dollars to their suppliers abroad.

Pharmacies said importers are refusing to make deliveries as they are unhappy with the new prices for drugs that are no longer subsidised, and cannot get lines of credit for those that still are.

Around 1,300 doctors have emigrated since the economic crisis began in 2019, with the numbers picking up over the past 12 months, the doctors' syndicate says.

Since February last year, Lebanon has recorded&nbsp;553,615&nbsp;cases of COVID-19, 7,890&nbsp;of them fatal, according to health ministry figures.

Lebanon's deepening economic crisis has piled pressure on hospitals, leaving them ill-equipped to face any new wave of the coronavirus, a top hospital director has warned.

Lebanon's deepening economic crisis has piled pressure on hospitals, leaving them ill-equipped to face any new wave of the coronavirus, a top hospital director has warned. Already struggling with shortages of medicine and an exodus of staff abroad, the country's health facilities are now also having to contend with almost round-the-clock power cuts. "All hospitals... are now less prepared than they were during the wave at the start of the year," said Firass Abiad, the manager of the largest public hospital in the country battling Covid. "Medical and nursing staff have left, medicine that was once available has run out," and ever lengthening cuts to the mains power supply have left hospitals under constant threat. Even the Rafik Hariri University Hospital he runs has been struggling to cope. "We only get two to three hours of mains electricity, and for the rest of the time it's up to the generators," Abiad said. On top of worrying they could burn out, "we have the huge burden of having to constantly be on the hunt for fuel oil." Also read | Lebanon's public water system on the verge of collapse, warns UNICEF Huge demand for the increasingly scarce commodity has driven up prices by more than 80 percent since June 17. Even at the prestigious RHUH, some medicines are routinely running out. "Some days it's antibiotics, others it's anaesthetics," the hospital chief said. Sometimes "we're forced to ask the patients' relatives to go and try to find the medicine from another hospital or a pharmacy." 'Could be catastrophic' After dropping over the spring, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again as Lebanese expats flood home for the summer, and many gather with family and friends. On Thursday alone, 98 people tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival at Beirut airport, the health ministry said. "It could be catastrophic if this rise in coronavirus numbers leads to a spike like the one we saw at the start of the year," Abiad said. Abiad said the solution was better social distancing and more inoculations in a country where just 15 percent of the population have been fully vaccinated. On Thursday, private hospitals warned of a looming "catastrophe" as some were only hours away from running out of fuel to power their generators. The following day, pharmacies said they were going on indefinite strike over persistent shortages of medicines, just weeks after drug importers said the central bank owed millions of dollars to their suppliers abroad. Pharmacies said importers are refusing to make deliveries as they are unhappy with the new prices for drugs that are no longer subsidised, and cannot get lines of credit for those that still are. Around 1,300 doctors have emigrated since the economic crisis began in 2019, with the numbers picking up over the past 12 months, the doctors' syndicate says. Since February last year, Lebanon has recorded 553,615 cases of COVID-19, 7,890 of them fatal, according to health ministry figures.

Lebanon can't handle next COVID-19 wave: hospital chief

Lebanon has been struggling to survive in the ongoing economic crisis and a study has revealed that a typical family is now spending five times the minimum wage on food alone.

Inflation in the country has been described as one of the worst financial crisis since the 1850s. It has also caused more than half of the country below the poverty line.

Now, the study has revealed that while a family is typically having to spend five times the minimum wage on food, this does not include other necessities such as the additional cost of water, electricity, and cooking gas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-few-days-away-from-social-explosion-pm-diab-396317" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-few-days-away-from-social-explosion-pm-diab-396317&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq_OjDovTxAhW_zDgGHSTBCwwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1stZzhRivQJT1uW_di6qPD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-few-days-away-from-social-explosion-pm-diab-396317" target="_blank">Lebanon&nbsp;few days away from social explosion: PM Diab</a>

As per data, a family of five was now spending nearly 3.5 million Lebanese pounds on food alone in a month. This has pushed several people below the poverty line as the minimum wage of the country is 675,000 Lebanese pounds.

The minimum wage of Lebanon was, at one point, equivalent to $450. However, now it struggles to fetch $30 on the black market.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diapers-and-rags-lebanon-crisis-plunges-women-into-period-poverty-395140">Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty</a>

While the value of the Lebanese pound decreased in front of the dollar, the food prices have soared by nearly 700 per cent in the past two years and the prices have seen a surge in the recent weeks, the Observatory reported.

"The price of a basic food basket increased by more than 50 percent in less than a month," it said.

Experts have labelled this as a very alarming trend in the country. "We're witnessing now an exponential increase in a short period of time," said Nasser Yassin, the head of the Observatory.

Lebanon has been struggling to survive in the ongoing economic crisis and a study has revealed that a typical family is now spending five times the minimum wage on food alone.

Lebanon has been struggling to survive in the ongoing economic crisis and a study has revealed that a typical family is now spending five times the minimum wage on food alone. Inflation in the country has been described as one of the worst financial crisis since the 1850s. It has also caused more than half of the country below the poverty line. Now, the study has revealed that while a family is typically having to spend five times the minimum wage on food, this does not include other necessities such as the additional cost of water, electricity, and cooking gas. Also read | Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab As per data, a family of five was now spending nearly 3.5 million Lebanese pounds on food alone in a month. This has pushed several people below the poverty line as the minimum wage of the country is 675,000 Lebanese pounds. The minimum wage of Lebanon was, at one point, equivalent to $450. However, now it struggles to fetch $30 on the black market. Also read | Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty While the value of the Lebanese pound decreased in front of the dollar, the food prices have soared by nearly 700 per cent in the past two years and the prices have seen a surge in the recent weeks, the Observatory reported. "The price of a basic food basket increased by more than 50 percent in less than a month," it said. Experts have labelled this as a very alarming trend in the country. "We're witnessing now an exponential increase in a short period of time," said Nasser Yassin, the head of the Observatory.

Lebanon families spending five times minimum wage on food alone: Study

Something is brewing in West Asia. With secret meetings and landmark deals, Israel is ringing in a new political era. From Jordan to Turkey - there has been a thaw in ties. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this means for the region.

The West Asia Post: Change in ties or economic interests?

In a joint effort, a couple of charities have rescued two&nbsp;Syrian brown bears&nbsp;from a Lebanese zoo where they were kept in inhumane conditions.

According to the UK-based Bear Conservation group, a&nbsp;relatively smaller subspecies of the endangered brown bear, this species is no longer found in the wild in Syria or Lebanon.

The two rescued bears named Homer and Ulysses&nbsp;are both 18 years old and weigh 130 kilos (280 pounds).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diapers-and-rags-lebanon-crisis-plunges-women-into-period-poverty-395140">Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty</a>

Jason Meir, Director of animal rights association, Animals Lebanon, says that these&nbsp;bears were most likely imported from eastern Europe.

The rescued bears have been&nbsp;living in a zoo near the southern city of Tyre, from where they were rescued after convincing the owner. A statement by the animal rights association, Animals Lebanon, said that the bears were kept in small cement cages for more than 10 years of their lives.&nbsp;

They were scheduled to leave Beirut on Sunday evening and will be flown to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, US.

While these bears were supposed to travel to the US in 2019, banking restrictions due to the economic crisis in Lebanon followed by the coronavirus pandemic delayed the rescue.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-out-for-good-lebanese-teachers-flee-as-financial-crisis-builds-396821">School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds</a>

An organisation involved in the relocation, Four Paws, says that in addition to malnutrition, the bears are suffering from extreme stress.

When the organisation first met them in November 2019, they found the bears confined in small cages that were no longer than a ping-pong table, with little or no food, water, and inadequate shelter.&nbsp;

Meir from&nbsp;Animals Lebanon tells of another 30 lions, tigers, and bears that still live as exotic pets or are kept in private zoos in the Mediterranean country.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a joint effort, a couple of charities have rescued two Syrian brown bears from a Lebanese zoo where they were kept in inhumane conditions. According to the UK-based Bear Conservation group, a relatively smaller subspecies of the endangered brown bear, this species is no longer found in the wild in Syria or Lebanon.

In a joint effort, a couple of charities have rescued two Syrian brown bears from a Lebanese zoo where they were kept in inhumane conditions. According to the UK-based Bear Conservation group, a relatively smaller subspecies of the endangered brown bear, this species is no longer found in the wild in Syria or Lebanon. The two rescued bears named Homer and Ulysses are both 18 years old and weigh 130 kilos (280 pounds). Also read | Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty Jason Meir, Director of animal rights association, Animals Lebanon, says that these bears were most likely imported from eastern Europe. The rescued bears have been living in a zoo near the southern city of Tyre, from where they were rescued after convincing the owner. A statement by the animal rights association, Animals Lebanon, said that the bears were kept in small cement cages for more than 10 years of their lives. They were scheduled to leave Beirut on Sunday evening and will be flown to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, US. While these bears were supposed to travel to the US in 2019, banking restrictions due to the economic crisis in Lebanon followed by the coronavirus pandemic delayed the rescue. Also read | School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds An organisation involved in the relocation, Four Paws, says that in addition to malnutrition, the bears are suffering from extreme stress. When the organisation first met them in November 2019, they found the bears confined in small cages that were no longer than a ping-pong table, with little or no food, water, and inadequate shelter. Meir from Animals Lebanon tells of another 30 lions, tigers, and bears that still live as exotic pets or are kept in private zoos in the Mediterranean country. (With inputs from agencies)

Two rescued bears make their way from Lebanon to the US

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down after failing to form the government for months. The country has been unable to come up with a new administration since the resignation of Hassan Diab's Cabinet on 10 August 2020, six days after the massive blast that hit Port of Beirut.

PM-designate Saad Hariri steps down amid Lebanon's currency carnage

The pro-Western, Sunni Muslim politician promised to quickly agree a cabinet of technocrats, or non-partisan specialists, who would enact reforms.

Lebanon crisis deepens as PM Saad Hariri quits

Prime minister Hassan Diab had a grim warning for Lebanon. The country, he said, was just days away from a social explosion. The world bank has called the crisis one of the worst depressions of modern history. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis takes a look at the crisis from the heart of Lebanon.

The West Asia Post: Mired in crisis, Lebanon's PM calls for aid

Forcing most of the country into blackout, Lebanon's two main power plants were switched off on Friday, July 9. The shutdown has been attributed to the lack of fuel.

Forcing most of the country into blackout, Lebanon's two main power plants were switched off on Friday, July 9. The shutdown has been attributed to the lack of fuel. Lebanon's two biggest power stations, Deir Ammar and Zahrani, which together provide about 40 per cent of the country's electricity, shut down on Friday, said their owner Electricite Du Liban (EDL). Lack of foreign currency has made it hard to pay overseas energy suppliers. Various pharmacies have also gone on strike over medicine shortages caused by the failure to pay foreign importers. Also read | Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab Also, worsening the crisis, the ships loaded with gas oil had refused to offload the fuel before money was transferred to their owners' accounts in dollars. Power cuts are not unusual in Lebanon as the country hasn't had 24/7 electricity for decades. State-generated power has been rationed, and people filled in the gaps into a parallel system of private generators. For the first time, on Friday, the entire grid went offline, and the private generators became the only source of power.

Lebanon faces power cut as two major plants shut down

Sorbonne-educated Chryssoula Fayad spent nearly two decades teaching history and geography at Lebanon's elite French schools, ultimately heading departments. Now she is a substitute teacher in Paris, part of an exodus from an education system on its knees.

Fayad left behind her home and life savings in August 2020, at 50 years old. Days earlier, the hospital where her husband worked and his clinic were damaged along with swathes of Beirut when chemicals exploded at the port - the final straw.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-few-days-away-from-social-explosion-pm-diab-396317">Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab</a>

Corruption and political wrangling have cost the local currency more than 90 per cent of its value in less than two years, propelling half the population into poverty and locking depositors like Fayad out of their bank accounts.

Despite her straitened circumstances, she has no regrets.

"I always say thank God that we had this chance to come here," she said. "Unfortunately I know I made the right decision when I see how things are in Lebanon now."

Lebanon's educational sector, prized throughout the Middle East as a regional leader, was once ranked tenth globally by the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report.

Now it is unclear how schools will manage when the new academic year starts in October.

"When the crisis erupted in 2019 it took the educational sector by surprise," Rene Karam, the head of the Association of Teachers of English (ATEL) in Lebanon, said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diapers-and-rags-lebanon-crisis-plunges-women-into-period-poverty-395140">Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty</a>

At the start, some private schools laid off higher-paid teachers, around 30 per cent of staff, to save money, but as time went on many others left of their own accord, with half of the 100 teachers in his association now in Iraq, Dubai and Oman.

Salaries starting at 1.5 million Lebanese pounds a month are now worth less than $90 at the street rate in a country where they used to be $1,000.

"We are in a real crisis," he said.

Staying Alive

Private schools make up 70 per cent of the educational sector, with upwards of 1,500 institutions. Rodolphe Abboud, head of the syndicate for private school teachers, said every school has lost between ten to 40 teachers so far, with some staying at home because they can no longer afford childcare.

"We are at the stage of just staying alive, the necessities," he said. "There is not one school now that is not advertising for jobs."

Children from several grades have already been put together for some subjects and daily power cuts and shortages of basic materials also make it difficult for schools to operate.

This week the education ministry cancelled final middle school examinations in response to pressure from parents and staff who had argued economic conditions made them impossible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rock-lebanon-ahead-of-fuel-price-hike-394575">Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike</a>

"The minister wanted to conduct exams but didn't he know that in Lebanon there is a shortage of paper and ink and teachers can't work for free and schools can't operate without fuel for electricity generators?" Karam said.

The education ministry said it had secured extra pay from donors for teachers supervising exams but most had pulled out.

"The majority of teachers gradually withdrew from supervision and this is what made it impossible to conduct the middle school exams," Hilda Khoury, a director at the ministry, said by email, adding that senior school exams would take place.

Whatever it takes

Father Boutros Azar, secretary-general for Catholic Schools in the Middle East and North Africa, said parents at many of its 321 schools in Lebanon were struggling to pay annual fees that range from 3 million to 8 million pounds.

"But we have made a decision to continue and do whatever it takes to keep schools open," he said.

A government employee said no one had paid the fees for next year yet at the school attended by her two sons, aged 10 and seven. The school had demanded $600 for each child in dollars in addition to 12 million Lebanese pounds.

.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanons-economic-crisis-among-worlds-worst-since-1850s-388829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Where does anybody get fresh dollars to pay these days? We all get paid in local currency so how are we supposed to get this amount?," she said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of her job.

Abboud, sitting in one of 130 schools that were damaged by the port blast, said some parents were voting with their feet, putting pressure on the small state sector, or moving abroad.

"We are seeing families going from private schools to public schools and others moving outside of Lebanon to Arab countries or Europe and the US&nbsp;and Canada and this creates a problem."

More teachers are also preparing to leave.

"There is a vast difference between now and two years ago," said 25-year old Joy Fares who has been teaching for five years. "Then I would say no I want to stay with my family ... but now, no, it makes sense to just go."

Sorbonne-educated Chryssoula Fayad spent nearly two decades teaching history and geography at Lebanon's elite French schools, ultimately heading departments. Now she is a substitute teacher in Paris, part of an exodus from an education system on its knees.

Sorbonne-educated Chryssoula Fayad spent nearly two decades teaching history and geography at Lebanon's elite French schools, ultimately heading departments. Now she is a substitute teacher in Paris, part of an exodus from an education system on its knees. Fayad left behind her home and life savings in August 2020, at 50 years old. Days earlier, the hospital where her husband worked and his clinic were damaged along with swathes of Beirut when chemicals exploded at the port - the final straw. Also read | Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab Corruption and political wrangling have cost the local currency more than 90 per cent of its value in less than two years, propelling half the population into poverty and locking depositors like Fayad out of their bank accounts. Despite her straitened circumstances, she has no regrets. "I always say thank God that we had this chance to come here," she said. "Unfortunately I know I made the right decision when I see how things are in Lebanon now." Lebanon's educational sector, prized throughout the Middle East as a regional leader, was once ranked tenth globally by the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. Now it is unclear how schools will manage when the new academic year starts in October. "When the crisis erupted in 2019 it took the educational sector by surprise," Rene Karam, the head of the Association of Teachers of English (ATEL) in Lebanon, said. Also read | Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty At the start, some private schools laid off higher-paid teachers, around 30 per cent of staff, to save money, but as time went on many others left of their own accord, with half of the 100 teachers in his association now in Iraq, Dubai and Oman. Salaries starting at 1.5 million Lebanese pounds a month are now worth less than $90 at the street rate in a country where they used to be $1,000. "We are in a real crisis," he said. Staying Alive Private schools make up 70 per cent of the educational sector, with upwards of 1,500 institutions. Rodolphe Abboud, head of the syndicate for private school teachers, said every school has lost between ten to 40 teachers so far, with some staying at home because they can no longer afford childcare. "We are at the stage of just staying alive, the necessities," he said. "There is not one school now that is not advertising for jobs." Children from several grades have already been put together for some subjects and daily power cuts and shortages of basic materials also make it difficult for schools to operate. This week the education ministry cancelled final middle school examinations in response to pressure from parents and staff who had argued economic conditions made them impossible. Also read | Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike "The minister wanted to conduct exams but didn't he know that in Lebanon there is a shortage of paper and ink and teachers can't work for free and schools can't operate without fuel for electricity generators?" Karam said. The education ministry said it had secured extra pay from donors for teachers supervising exams but most had pulled out. "The majority of teachers gradually withdrew from supervision and this is what made it impossible to conduct the middle school exams," Hilda Khoury, a director at the ministry, said by email, adding that senior school exams would take place. Whatever it takes Father Boutros Azar, secretary-general for Catholic Schools in the Middle East and North Africa, said parents at many of its 321 schools in Lebanon were struggling to pay annual fees that range from 3 million to 8 million pounds. "But we have made a decision to continue and do whatever it takes to keep schools open," he said. A government employee said no one had paid the fees for next year yet at the school attended by her two sons, aged 10 and seven. The school had demanded $600 for each child in dollars in addition to 12 million Lebanese pounds. . "Where does anybody get fresh dollars to pay these days? We all get paid in local currency so how are we supposed to get this amount?," she said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of her job. Abboud, sitting in one of 130 schools that were damaged by the port blast, said some parents were voting with their feet, putting pressure on the small state sector, or moving abroad. "We are seeing families going from private schools to public schools and others moving outside of Lebanon to Arab countries or Europe and the US and Canada and this creates a problem." More teachers are also preparing to leave. "There is a vast difference between now and two years ago," said 25-year old Joy Fares who has been teaching for five years. "Then I would say no I want to stay with my family ... but now, no, it makes sense to just go."

School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diapers-and-rags-lebanon-crisis-plunges-women-into-period-poverty-395140">Lebanon</a> battles economic meltdown&nbsp;amid a raging political crisis, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said today that the country is days away from a&nbsp;"social explosion".

"The Lebanese are facing this dark fate alone," Diab told ambassadors during a meeting in Beirut.

Diab had taken over as the interim PM after the catastrophic explosions in August last year in Beirut in which over 200 people were killed.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanons-economic-crisis-among-worlds-worst-since-1850s-388829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country has been unable to form a stable government since the massive port explosion even as Diab stated that only a new cabinet could restart talks with IMF.

The Lebanon prime minister appealed to the international community to "save Lebanese from death and prevent Lebanon's demise" and urged international donors to release financial aid to the country.

Diab said linking aid with government formation was threatening the lives of the people as&nbsp;the Lebanese people pay a heavy price with funds halted.

The country has failed to form a working government in the past eleven months even as the World Bank raised alarm over the country's dire economic state.

The country was plunged into an economic crisis as it battled the coronavirus pandemic as mass protests erupted. Amid the economic crisis, the value of the Lebanese pound has fallen drastically compounding the already bleak economic situation in the country.

Diab said: "Lebanon is passing through a very dark tunnel, and the suffering has reached the point of tragedy," while adding, "Lebanon is a few days away from the social explosion."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Lebanon battles economic meltdown amid a raging political crisis, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said today that the country is days away from a "social explosion".

As Lebanon battles economic meltdown amid a raging political crisis, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said today that the country is days away from a "social explosion". "The Lebanese are facing this dark fate alone," Diab told ambassadors during a meeting in Beirut. Diab had taken over as the interim PM after the catastrophic explosions in August last year in Beirut in which over 200 people were killed. Watch: The country has been unable to form a stable government since the massive port explosion even as Diab stated that only a new cabinet could restart talks with IMF. The Lebanon prime minister appealed to the international community to "save Lebanese from death and prevent Lebanon's demise" and urged international donors to release financial aid to the country. Diab said linking aid with government formation was threatening the lives of the people as the Lebanese people pay a heavy price with funds halted. The country has failed to form a working government in the past eleven months even as the World Bank raised alarm over the country's dire economic state. The country was plunged into an economic crisis as it battled the coronavirus pandemic as mass protests erupted. Amid the economic crisis, the value of the Lebanese pound has fallen drastically compounding the already bleak economic situation in the country. Diab said: "Lebanon is passing through a very dark tunnel, and the suffering has reached the point of tragedy," while adding, "Lebanon is a few days away from the social explosion." (With inputs from Agencies)

Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab

A judge investigating last year's devastating Beirut port blast said on Friday that he had summoned the outgoing premier and has taken steps towards indicting former ministers and security officials.

On August 4, 2020. Hundreds of tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate exploded in Beirut port. The huge blast killed more than 200 people and injured thousands. Swathes of Lebanon capital were ravaged in the blast

After the blast, it came to light that the officials had knowledge for years that explosive substances were stored unsafely at the Beirut port.

The slow pace of the investigation has sparked outrage at home and fuelled distrust among international donors. 
Tareq Bitar in February became the second judge to probe the explosion following a court order removing his predecessor, who had issued charges against prime minister Hassan Diab and three former ministers over the blast.

Bitar on Friday told a small group of journalists, including one from AFP, that he had summoned Diab, who is still indicted in the case.

He said he had also taken steps towards charging four former ministers -- ex-finance minister Ali Hasan Khalil, former public works ministers Ghazi Zaiter and Yusef Fenianos, and ex-interior minister Nohad Machnouk.

Bitar said he would be looking at possible charges of "probable intent to murder" and "negligence", as the officials "did not take measures to avert the risk of an explosion".

Bitar's predecessor, Fadi Sawan, had in December last year charged Diab, Khalil, Fenianos and Zaiter with "negligence and causing death to hundreds".

But Khalil and Zaiter managed to get a court to remove Sawan in February, arguing that the indictment of a lawmaker needed parliament clearance.&nbsp;

Bitar said he has requested that parliament lift the immunity of lawmakers Khalil, Zaiter and Machnouk.

(With inputs from agencies)

A judge investigating last year's devastating Beirut port blast said on Friday that he had summoned the outgoing premier and has taken steps towards indicting former ministers and security officials.

A judge investigating last year's devastating Beirut port blast said on Friday that he had summoned the outgoing premier and has taken steps towards indicting former ministers and security officials. On August 4, 2020. Hundreds of tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate exploded in Beirut port. The huge blast killed more than 200 people and injured thousands. Swathes of Lebanon capital were ravaged in the blast After the blast, it came to light that the officials had knowledge for years that explosive substances were stored unsafely at the Beirut port. The slow pace of the investigation has sparked outrage at home and fuelled distrust among international donors. Tareq Bitar in February became the second judge to probe the explosion following a court order removing his predecessor, who had issued charges against prime minister Hassan Diab and three former ministers over the blast. Bitar on Friday told a small group of journalists, including one from AFP, that he had summoned Diab, who is still indicted in the case. He said he had also taken steps towards charging four former ministers -- ex-finance minister Ali Hasan Khalil, former public works ministers Ghazi Zaiter and Yusef Fenianos, and ex-interior minister Nohad Machnouk. Bitar said he would be looking at possible charges of "probable intent to murder" and "negligence", as the officials "did not take measures to avert the risk of an explosion". Bitar's predecessor, Fadi Sawan, had in December last year charged Diab, Khalil, Fenianos and Zaiter with "negligence and causing death to hundreds". But Khalil and Zaiter managed to get a court to remove Sawan in February, arguing that the indictment of a lawmaker needed parliament clearance. Bitar said he has requested that parliament lift the immunity of lawmakers Khalil, Zaiter and Machnouk. (With inputs from agencies)

Beirut blast judge takes aim at top officials

With prices soaring in crisis-hit&nbsp;Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

"With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks.

The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanons-economic-crisis-among-worlds-worst-since-1850s-388829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis.

With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives.

Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly.

"Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said.

"At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun.

"But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk.&nbsp;As for me, I can make do."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rock-lebanon-ahead-of-fuel-price-hike-394575">Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike</a>

But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads.

She said the process has been one of trial and error.

In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said.

Newspaper, toilet paper

The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet.

The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list.

In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to&nbsp;address rising period poverty in&nbsp;Lebanon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-lebanon-christian-heads-begin-summit-on-countrys-crisis-395106">Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis</a>

The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class.

"Middle-class women also need them,&nbsp;like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri.

According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products.

Yet the association is struggling to keep up.

"We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-as-poverty-bites-lebanese-give-up-their-pets-388606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods.

Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14.

Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting.

"She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said.

Syria 'all over again'

Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads.

In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth.

Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years.

The project already distributes them to&nbsp;Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps.

Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive.</div>

With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option.

"Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads.

"I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags. "With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks. The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s. Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis. With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives. Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly. "Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said. "At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun. "But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk. As for me, I can make do." Also read | Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads. She said the process has been one of trial and error. In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said. Newspaper, toilet paper The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet. The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list. In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to address rising period poverty in Lebanon. Also read | Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class. "Middle-class women also need them, like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri. According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products. Yet the association is struggling to keep up. "We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said. At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods. Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14. Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting. "She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said. Syria 'all over again' Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads. In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman Lebanon are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth. Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years. The project already distributes them to Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps. Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads. The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive. With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option. "Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads. "I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning. Protesters blocked roads all across Lebanon on Monday.

In addition to fuel price hike protesters were unhappy about power outages

AFP correspondents said protesters blocked major roads and burned tyres and garbage bins in Beirut, while the official National News Agency said roadways north and southeast of the capital were also blocked.

Protesters in the south Lebanon city of Nabatiyeh parked vehicles across a main artery to stop traffic, the NNA said.

The demonstrations took place after weekend scuffles between security forces and protesters that left nearly 20 people wounded in the northern city of Tripoli following a plunge in the value of the Lebanese pound.

Officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507 since 1997, the local currency now sells for a record low of more than 17,000 to the greenback on the black market.

On Monday, the central bank said it would provide fuel importers with dollars at a rate of 3,900 pounds to the greenback instead of the official rate, in compliance with a government decision issued last week.

The move effectively reduces subsidies on fuel as the central bank tries to shore up fast-diminishing foreign currency reserves.

The energy ministry said it would issue revised fuel prices on Tuesday based on the new exchange rate.

It said fuel tankers docked in Lebanese waters had started offloading fuel shipments that would boost supply in the coming days.&nbsp;

Lebanese have flocked to the gas pumps ahead of the price hikes, causing major congestion and massive queues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning.

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning. Protesters blocked roads all across Lebanon on Monday. In addition to fuel price hike protesters were unhappy about power outages AFP correspondents said protesters blocked major roads and burned tyres and garbage bins in Beirut, while the official National News Agency said roadways north and southeast of the capital were also blocked. Protesters in the south Lebanon city of Nabatiyeh parked vehicles across a main artery to stop traffic, the NNA said. The demonstrations took place after weekend scuffles between security forces and protesters that left nearly 20 people wounded in the northern city of Tripoli following a plunge in the value of the Lebanese pound. Officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507 since 1997, the local currency now sells for a record low of more than 17,000 to the greenback on the black market. On Monday, the central bank said it would provide fuel importers with dollars at a rate of 3,900 pounds to the greenback instead of the official rate, in compliance with a government decision issued last week. The move effectively reduces subsidies on fuel as the central bank tries to shore up fast-diminishing foreign currency reserves. The energy ministry said it would issue revised fuel prices on Tuesday based on the new exchange rate. It said fuel tankers docked in Lebanese waters had started offloading fuel shipments that would boost supply in the coming days. Lebanese have flocked to the gas pumps ahead of the price hikes, causing major congestion and massive queues. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike

A team of French investigators began questioning former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn in Beirut on Monday over suspicion of financial misconduct. Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018.

French investigators probe former Nissan chief Ghosn in Beirut

The latest World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor report, entitled “Lebanon Sinking: To the Top 3”, said such brutal economic collapses are usually the result of war.

Lebanon’s economic crisis among world's worst since 1850s

With the economic crisis worsening in Lebanon, many are now giving up their pets after being unable to feed or care for them.

The West Asia Post | As poverty bites, Lebanese give up their pets

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation.

Lebanon is in the throes of a double economic and political crisis.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-in-lebanon-over-economic-crisis-political-deadlock-368865">Protests in Lebanon over economic crisis, political deadlock</a>

It is experiencing its worst financial downturn since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the population now living below the poverty line.

Meanwhile, bickering political leaders have yet to agree on a new government to replace the outgoing cabinet of caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab who resigned in the wake of last summer's deadly port explosion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caretaker-pm-threatens-to-stop-running-government-in-lebanon-368500">Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon</a>

"On July 1 I will meet in the Vatican with the main leaders of the Christian communities in Lebanon, for a day of reflection on the country's worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability", the pope said.

Delivering his Sunday Angelus message, Francis urged the faithful "to accompany the preparation of this event with solidarity prayers, invoking a more peaceful future for that beloved country".&nbsp;

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation.

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation. Lebanon is in the throes of a double economic and political crisis. Also Read | Protests in Lebanon over economic crisis, political deadlock It is experiencing its worst financial downturn since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the population now living below the poverty line. Meanwhile, bickering political leaders have yet to agree on a new government to replace the outgoing cabinet of caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab who resigned in the wake of last summer's deadly port explosion. Also Read | Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon "On July 1 I will meet in the Vatican with the main leaders of the Christian communities in Lebanon, for a day of reflection on the country's worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability", the pope said. Delivering his Sunday Angelus message, Francis urged the faithful "to accompany the preparation of this event with solidarity prayers, invoking a more peaceful future for that beloved country".

Pope to host July 1 summit with Lebanon's Christian leaders

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement.

"We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said.

Assad won the election on Thursday with a majority of 95.1 per cent.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement. "We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement. "We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said. Assad won the election on Thursday with a majority of 95.1 per cent.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah congratulates Syria's Assad on election victory

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-ways-to-deal-with-hamas-conquer-or-deter-them-netanyahu-386037">Israel's</a> defence forces(IDF), four rockets were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon with&nbsp;one intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system and others hit open areas with no casualties reported.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/in-gaza-un-classrooms-become-dormitories-as-palestinians-flee-conflict-386046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IDF said artillery cannons struck a number of "targets in Lebanese territory” in retaliation as sirens rang out in Israel’s north area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-palestine-conflict-france-jordan-egypt-hold-talks-seek-ceasefire-385927">Israeli</a> authorities sounded out citizens in the southern Galilee region including Haifa's Kiryat Bialik and Kiryat Motzkin region on Wednesday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gal-gadot-to-rihanna-celebs-speak-on-the-israel-palestine-conflict-384797">Also read: Gal Gadot to Rihanna: Celebs speak on the Israel-Palestine conflict</a>

Rockets were fired from Lebanon earlier with Israel reportedly indicating that the latest rocket attacks were launched by&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;militant groups.

The attacks occurred even as Israel continued its attack on Gaza with Hamas hitting back with more rocket attacks.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expects "significant de-escalation". &nbsp;

"The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," the White House said.

Amid the fighting, German foreign minister Heiko Maas will travel to Israel including the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-israel-palestine-where-is-the-conflict-heading-385830"> Palestinian</a> territories&nbsp;in a bid to end the attacks which have escalated since May 10.

"The political talks will focus on the current escalation in the Middle East and the international efforts to end the violence," the German foreign ministry said.

Maas is expected to meet t Israel's foreign and defence minister including President Reuven Rivlin. The German foreign minister will also hold talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah, reports said.

According to Israel's defence forces(IDF), four rockets were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon with one intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system and others hit open areas with no casualties reported.

According to Israel's defence forces(IDF), four rockets were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon with one intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system and others hit open areas with no casualties reported. Watch: The IDF said artillery cannons struck a number of "targets in Lebanese territory” in retaliation as sirens rang out in Israel’s north area. Israeli authorities sounded out citizens in the southern Galilee region including Haifa's Kiryat Bialik and Kiryat Motzkin region on Wednesday evening. Also read: Gal Gadot to Rihanna: Celebs speak on the Israel-Palestine conflict Rockets were fired from Lebanon earlier with Israel reportedly indicating that the latest rocket attacks were launched by Palestinian militant groups. The attacks occurred even as Israel continued its attack on Gaza with Hamas hitting back with more rocket attacks. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expects "significant de-escalation". "The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," the White House said. Amid the fighting, German foreign minister Heiko Maas will travel to Israel including the Palestinian territories in a bid to end the attacks which have escalated since May 10. "The political talks will focus on the current escalation in the Middle East and the international efforts to end the violence," the German foreign ministry said. Maas is expected to meet t Israel's foreign and defence minister including President Reuven Rivlin. The German foreign minister will also hold talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah, reports said.

Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon amid fighting in Gaza

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

'I want to study': Lebanon crisis cancels school for many

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east&nbsp;Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

"Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to&nbsp;study&nbsp;on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

"The screen is cracked... and I have no internet."

Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid">US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge&nbsp;due to Covid</a>

An accelerating economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;means they may never return to&nbsp;school&nbsp;in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic.

"We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa.

Mohammad arrived in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions.

But he wasn't enrolled in&nbsp;school&nbsp;until 2019 because&nbsp;Lebanon's public&nbsp;school&nbsp;system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number.&nbsp;

Mohammad's first&nbsp;school&nbsp;year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term.&nbsp;

"He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said.

Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in&nbsp;school&nbsp;for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning.&nbsp;

"I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography.

"But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education."

More than 1.2 million children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says.

It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much&nbsp;school&nbsp;or because their families can't afford to enrol them.

"Education for thousands of children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;is hanging by a thread," it said.

Lebanon's economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty.

Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive.&nbsp;

Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education.

"Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP.

Citing data from&nbsp;Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not.&nbsp;

"We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian&nbsp;school-aged children were currently out of the classroom.&nbsp;

The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;accelerated in 2019.&nbsp;

Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion.

The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn.&nbsp;

The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound.&nbsp;

"So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said.&nbsp;

As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance.

But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet.

She decided to drop out.

"I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said.

Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago.

"I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said.&nbsp;

But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to&nbsp;school.

"I&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;study&nbsp;so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach. "Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to study on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley. Also read- China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools "The screen is cracked... and I have no internet." Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions. Also read: US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid An accelerating economic crisis means they may never return to school in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic. "We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa. Mohammad arrived in Lebanon from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions. But he wasn't enrolled in school until 2019 because Lebanon's public school system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number. Mohammad's first school year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term. "He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said. Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in school for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning. "I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography. "But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education." More than 1.2 million children in Lebanon have been out of school since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says. It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much school or because their families can't afford to enrol them. "Education for thousands of children in Lebanon is hanging by a thread," it said. Lebanon's economic crisis is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty. Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive. Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education. "Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP. Citing data from Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not. "We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian school-aged children were currently out of the classroom. The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic crisis accelerated in 2019. Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion. The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn. The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound. "So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said. As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance. But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet. She decided to drop out. "I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said. Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago. "I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said. But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to school. "I want to study so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

Hundreds of people brandishing Palestinian flags and the yellow colours of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;gathered in south&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Saturday for the funeral of a Lebanese&nbsp;protester&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;fire&nbsp;a day earlier.&nbsp;

Mohamad Kassem Tahan, a member of the Iran-backed&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;movement, had been protesting at the Lebanese border against the Jewish state's latest assault on the Gaza Strip when he was hit by&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;shellfire.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank&nbsp;</a>

That came after a number of young demonstrators had tried to cross into the northern&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;border town of Metulla, according to Lebanese state media.

On Saturday, Tahan's hometown of Adloun held a funeral that coincided with the anniversary of the Nakba, the "catastrophe" of the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245">Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices</a>

Hezbollah&nbsp;fighters in military fatigues carried the 21-year-old's coffin, wrapped in the movement's yellow flag, through a crowd of mourners to the sound of pro-Palestinian chants and sporadic gunfire.

"Death to Israel!" they chanted.&nbsp;

"To Jerusalem we will go, and the martyrs will be in the millions!"

Hezbollah, a key enemy of Israel, had declared Tahan a "martyr" on Friday and Lebanese president Michel Aoun condemned a "crime committed by&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;forces".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-lebanons-security-forces-deny-hezbollah-involvement-in-firing-rockets-at-israel-384903">Gaza conflict: Lebanon's security forces deny Hezbollah involvement in firing rockets at Israel</a>

Speaking to AFP at the funeral, Tahan's friend Karim called him "a very loving young man."

"He was loved in Adloun. He used to help everyone, even if he was busy," the 17-year-old said.

Beside him, a group of Tahan's friends cried on a sofa, while outside, copies of his portrait lined roads leading to the funeral venue.

The funeral came as dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered along the southern frontier to commemorate the Nakba and denounce&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;violence in Gaza and Jerusalem.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestinian-conflict-palestinian-families-take-shelter-at-un-schools-385172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Brandishing flags and wearing chequered Palestinian scarves, they gathered at several locations including the Lebanese border towns of Maroun Al-Ras and Adaisseh, according to AFP correspondents in the area.&nbsp;

They were surrounded by Lebanese soldiers who had erected checkpoints and blocked roads leading up to the frontier to avoid any escalation, according to state media.&nbsp;

The ANI state news agency said Palestinian protesters had clashed with security forces blocking their way to the border in the Marjayoun area.&nbsp;

Protesters in the Kfar Kela district near the border climbed a separation wall and hung a&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and a Palestinian flag from a watchtower, an AFP correspondent said. He also saw them throwing rocks at the wall, and heard gunfire from the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;side.

Ahead of Saturday's protest, an&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army spokesperson had warned&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;against allowing "rioters" to approach the frontier.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-use-more-heavy-force-against-hamas-in-gaza-israel-pm-netanyahu-384971">Will use more 'heavy force' against Hamas in Gaza: Israel PM Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;

His statement came as the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army claimed it foiled an overnight attempt by a group of Lebanese infiltrators to cross the border near the town of Metulla.

The army said the infiltrators had planted objects believed to be explosives before fleeing back into&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;under&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;fire.

Earlier on Thursday, three rockets were fired from southern&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh toward Israel, a Lebanese military source said.&nbsp;

Israel's army said the rockets had landed in the sea.

A source close to&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;said the Shiite group had no link to that incident.

Israel occupied much of southern&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;from its 1982 invasion until its withdrawal in 2000, seen as a victory for&nbsp;Hezbollah's "resistance".

Hundreds of people brandishing Palestinian flags and the yellow colours of Hezbollah gathered in south Lebanon on Saturday for the funeral of a Lebanese protester killed by Israeli fire a day earlier.

Hundreds of people brandishing Palestinian flags and the yellow colours of Hezbollah gathered in south Lebanon on Saturday for the funeral of a Lebanese protester killed by Israeli fire a day earlier. Mohamad Kassem Tahan, a member of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, had been protesting at the Lebanese border against the Jewish state's latest assault on the Gaza Strip when he was hit by Israeli shellfire. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank That came after a number of young demonstrators had tried to cross into the northern Israeli border town of Metulla, according to Lebanese state media. On Saturday, Tahan's hometown of Adloun held a funeral that coincided with the anniversary of the Nakba, the "catastrophe" of the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948. Also read | Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices Hezbollah fighters in military fatigues carried the 21-year-old's coffin, wrapped in the movement's yellow flag, through a crowd of mourners to the sound of pro-Palestinian chants and sporadic gunfire. "Death to Israel!" they chanted. "To Jerusalem we will go, and the martyrs will be in the millions!" Hezbollah, a key enemy of Israel, had declared Tahan a "martyr" on Friday and Lebanese president Michel Aoun condemned a "crime committed by Israeli forces". Also read | Gaza conflict: Lebanon's security forces deny Hezbollah involvement in firing rockets at Israel Speaking to AFP at the funeral, Tahan's friend Karim called him "a very loving young man." "He was loved in Adloun. He used to help everyone, even if he was busy," the 17-year-old said. Beside him, a group of Tahan's friends cried on a sofa, while outside, copies of his portrait lined roads leading to the funeral venue. The funeral came as dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered along the southern frontier to commemorate the Nakba and denounce Israeli violence in Gaza and Jerusalem. Brandishing flags and wearing chequered Palestinian scarves, they gathered at several locations including the Lebanese border towns of Maroun Al-Ras and Adaisseh, according to AFP correspondents in the area. They were surrounded by Lebanese soldiers who had erected checkpoints and blocked roads leading up to the frontier to avoid any escalation, according to state media. The ANI state news agency said Palestinian protesters had clashed with security forces blocking their way to the border in the Marjayoun area. Protesters in the Kfar Kela district near the border climbed a separation wall and hung a Hezbollah and a Palestinian flag from a watchtower, an AFP correspondent said. He also saw them throwing rocks at the wall, and heard gunfire from the Israeli side. Ahead of Saturday's protest, an Israeli army spokesperson had warned Lebanon against allowing "rioters" to approach the frontier. Also read | Will use more 'heavy force' against Hamas in Gaza: Israel PM Netanyahu His statement came as the Israeli army claimed it foiled an overnight attempt by a group of Lebanese infiltrators to cross the border near the town of Metulla. The army said the infiltrators had planted objects believed to be explosives before fleeing back into Lebanon under Israeli fire. Earlier on Thursday, three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh toward Israel, a Lebanese military source said. Israel's army said the rockets had landed in the sea. A source close to Hezbollah said the Shiite group had no link to that incident. Israel occupied much of southern Lebanon from its 1982 invasion until its withdrawal in 2000, seen as a victory for Hezbollah's "resistance".

Lebanon mourns Hezbollah protester killed by Israeli fire

Lebanese security forces have denied any involvement of the Hezbollah group in firing three rockets towards northern Israel. 
 
Lebanon`s Elnashra news website had reported earlier that the rockets were fired on Thursday by the Hezbollah, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
But Lebanon`s al-Manar TV channel later reported that the Palestinian refugees in the Al Rashidiya camp in Tyre fired the rockets in support of the Palestinians in their recent clashes with Israel. 
 
Lebanese security forces have arrested the Palestinians who fired the rockets from southern Lebanon`s Qlieleh village toward Israel, according to the Elnashra news website. 
 
The rockets were fired into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Galilee, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. 
 
No injury or damage was reported. 
 
The firing of rockets from Lebanon came as Israel continued its airstrikes and shellings at the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip in response to the rocket attacks launched by the Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Lebanese security forces have denied any involvement of the Hezbollah group in firing three rockets towards northern Israel. Lebanon`s Elnashra news website had reported earlier that the rockets were fired on Thursday by the Hezbollah, reports Xinhua news agency.

Lebanese security forces have denied any involvement of the Hezbollah group in firing three rockets towards northern Israel. Lebanon`s Elnashra news website had reported earlier that the rockets were fired on Thursday by the Hezbollah, reports Xinhua news agency. But Lebanon`s al-Manar TV channel later reported that the Palestinian refugees in the Al Rashidiya camp in Tyre fired the rockets in support of the Palestinians in their recent clashes with Israel. Lebanese security forces have arrested the Palestinians who fired the rockets from southern Lebanon`s Qlieleh village toward Israel, according to the Elnashra news website. The rockets were fired into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Galilee, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. No injury or damage was reported. The firing of rockets from Lebanon came as Israel continued its airstrikes and shellings at the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip in response to the rocket attacks launched by the Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Gaza conflict: Lebanon's security forces deny Hezbollah involvement in firing rockets at Israel

A&nbsp;Lebanon-made&nbsp;electric&nbsp;car&nbsp;made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts.

The red sports&nbsp;car, named "Quds Rise", using the Arabic name of Jerusalem -- is the project of Lebanese-born Palestinian businessman Jihad Mohammad.&nbsp;It's the "first automobile to be made locally," Mohammad told reporters, at the unveiling in a parking lot south of Beirut.&nbsp;It was built in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;"from start to finish", he said of the prototype, emblazoned at the front with a golden logo of the Dome of the Rock, the shrine in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site.&nbsp;The&nbsp;car&nbsp;is to cost $30,000.

Production of up to 10,000 vehicles is hoped to start later this year in&nbsp;Lebanon, with cars to hit the market in a year's time, said Mohammad, the director of&nbsp;Lebanon-based firm EV Electra.

Mohammad, 50, said he set up the company four years ago after years abroad, employing Lebanese and Palestinian engineers among 300 members of staff.&nbsp;He says his long-term goal is to compete on the international market for hybrid and&nbsp;electric&nbsp;cars, as well as to make sales in&nbsp;Lebanon.

But the unveiling comes as&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;struggles amid its worst economic crisis in decades, and imported&nbsp;car&nbsp;sales are at a record low, in part due to capital controls and drastic devaluation on the black market.

'Step in the right direction'?

Dealers sold just 62 new cars in the first two months of 2021, almost 97 per cent less than the same period a year before, figures released by the Association of Automobile Importers in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;showed.

The economic crunch since late 2019 has plunged more than half the population into poverty.&nbsp;But Mohammad said potential Lebanese buyers would be offered the opportunity to pay for half the new&nbsp;electric&nbsp;car&nbsp;in dollars, with the rest paid in Lebanese pounds at an exchange rate better than the black market one, to be paid over five years without interest.

Lebanon&nbsp;also relies on fossil fuels for power generation, already insufficient for a population of around six million who suffer daily power cuts.&nbsp;To power its new&nbsp;electric&nbsp;cars, the firm plans to set up around 100 recharging stations across the country connected to generators.&nbsp;These could then be fuelled by solar and wind power generation, Mohammad said.

Independent energy analyst Jessica Obeid welcomed the innovation, but said the vehicles would only be environmentally friendly if the power sector underwent serious reform.&nbsp;"The energy sector is the biggest contributor to&nbsp;Lebanon's greenhouse gas emissions," and already under pressure due a shortage in dollars to import fuel, she told AFP.

But, she added, "if the&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles have solar charging stations, then this would be a step in the right direction."

A Lebanon-made electric car made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts.

A Lebanon-made electric car made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts. The red sports car, named "Quds Rise", using the Arabic name of Jerusalem -- is the project of Lebanese-born Palestinian businessman Jihad Mohammad. It's the "first automobile to be made locally," Mohammad told reporters, at the unveiling in a parking lot south of Beirut. It was built in Lebanon "from start to finish", he said of the prototype, emblazoned at the front with a golden logo of the Dome of the Rock, the shrine in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site. The car is to cost $30,000. Production of up to 10,000 vehicles is hoped to start later this year in Lebanon, with cars to hit the market in a year's time, said Mohammad, the director of Lebanon-based firm EV Electra. Mohammad, 50, said he set up the company four years ago after years abroad, employing Lebanese and Palestinian engineers among 300 members of staff. He says his long-term goal is to compete on the international market for hybrid and electric cars, as well as to make sales in Lebanon. But the unveiling comes as Lebanon struggles amid its worst economic crisis in decades, and imported car sales are at a record low, in part due to capital controls and drastic devaluation on the black market. 'Step in the right direction'? Dealers sold just 62 new cars in the first two months of 2021, almost 97 per cent less than the same period a year before, figures released by the Association of Automobile Importers in Lebanon showed. The economic crunch since late 2019 has plunged more than half the population into poverty. But Mohammad said potential Lebanese buyers would be offered the opportunity to pay for half the new electric car in dollars, with the rest paid in Lebanese pounds at an exchange rate better than the black market one, to be paid over five years without interest. Lebanon also relies on fossil fuels for power generation, already insufficient for a population of around six million who suffer daily power cuts. To power its new electric cars, the firm plans to set up around 100 recharging stations across the country connected to generators. These could then be fuelled by solar and wind power generation, Mohammad said. Independent energy analyst Jessica Obeid welcomed the innovation, but said the vehicles would only be environmentally friendly if the power sector underwent serious reform. "The energy sector is the biggest contributor to Lebanon's greenhouse gas emissions," and already under pressure due a shortage in dollars to import fuel, she told AFP. But, she added, "if the electric vehicles have solar charging stations, then this would be a step in the right direction."

Lebanon launches first electric car despite crisis

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed.&nbsp;

The ban, ordered by the kingdom's Interior Ministry and due to take effect on Sunday, is a major blow to the Lebanese economy, already reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis.&nbsp;

It came after Saudi Arabia announced on Friday, it has seized over 5 million pills of an amphetamine drug known as Captagon, hidden in a shipment of pomegranate coming from Lebanon. The official Saudi Press Agency said four Saudis and one displaced it did not identify were arrested.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called for a meeting next week with Cabinet members, security officials, farmers and exporters to discuss the Saudi decision and its implications.&nbsp;

Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Friday said smuggling of drugs is harmful to the country's reputation and economy. It called on Lebanese customs duty authorities to increase checks and inspections of shipments leaving the small Mediterranean country.&nbsp;

But in a statement on Sunday, Lebanon's Farmers Union called on the kingdom to repeal its decision. It said the mistake of one person or a criminal gang should not be the reason to punish the entire Lebanese people.&nbsp;

Agricultural exports are a major foreign currency earner for Lebanon. Arab countries are Lebanon's main export markets for agricultural products, accounting for nearly 80% of over $190 million of total exports in 2019, where Saudi Arabia had more than 20% of the share, followed by Qatar.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's decision showed 'political maliciousness’, and contradicts the kingdom's claims that it protects Lebanon's interests, the statement added. The farmers union accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a policy to besiege Lebanon and change its alliance.&nbsp;

While Saudi Arabia has been a major Lebanon supporter, the kingdom has also been locked in a regional struggle with Iran, the main ally of the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Tension between the two regional powerhouses have often spilled into a deadlock in decision-making in Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia is among Gulf countries that imposed sanctions on Hezbollah.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other officials denied the smuggling was done by Lebanese. The head of the farmers' union in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa valley said the pomegranate shipment was coming from Syria, passing transit through Lebanese port.&nbsp;

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed.

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed. The ban, ordered by the kingdom's Interior Ministry and due to take effect on Sunday, is a major blow to the Lebanese economy, already reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis. It came after Saudi Arabia announced on Friday, it has seized over 5 million pills of an amphetamine drug known as Captagon, hidden in a shipment of pomegranate coming from Lebanon. The official Saudi Press Agency said four Saudis and one displaced it did not identify were arrested. On Saturday, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called for a meeting next week with Cabinet members, security officials, farmers and exporters to discuss the Saudi decision and its implications. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Friday said smuggling of drugs is harmful to the country's reputation and economy. It called on Lebanese customs duty authorities to increase checks and inspections of shipments leaving the small Mediterranean country. But in a statement on Sunday, Lebanon's Farmers Union called on the kingdom to repeal its decision. It said the mistake of one person or a criminal gang should not be the reason to punish the entire Lebanese people. Agricultural exports are a major foreign currency earner for Lebanon. Arab countries are Lebanon's main export markets for agricultural products, accounting for nearly 80% of over $190 million of total exports in 2019, where Saudi Arabia had more than 20% of the share, followed by Qatar. Saudi Arabia's decision showed 'political maliciousness’, and contradicts the kingdom's claims that it protects Lebanon's interests, the statement added. The farmers union accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a policy to besiege Lebanon and change its alliance. While Saudi Arabia has been a major Lebanon supporter, the kingdom has also been locked in a regional struggle with Iran, the main ally of the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Tension between the two regional powerhouses have often spilled into a deadlock in decision-making in Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia is among Gulf countries that imposed sanctions on Hezbollah. Meanwhile, other officials denied the smuggling was done by Lebanese. The head of the farmers' union in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa valley said the pomegranate shipment was coming from Syria, passing transit through Lebanese port.

Lebanon farmers union calls on Saudi to repeal produce ban 

Broken signals, potted roads and dysfunctional system: Beirut struggles to survive

A senior cabinet minister said on Monday he had signed a document expanding Lebanon's claims in a row with Israel over their maritime border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. &nbsp;

The amendment would add around 1,400 square kilometres&nbsp;to the exclusive economic zone claimed by Lebanon in its original submission to the United Nations. &nbsp;

Negotiations between old foes, Lebanon and Israel, were launched in October to try to resolve the dispute. The talks, a culmination of three years of diplomacy by the United States, have since stalled. &nbsp;

The document signed by the caretaker public works and transport minister now needs to be signed off by the caretaker prime minister, minister of defence and president ahead of a request to the United Nations for a formal claim to register the new coordinates for the maritime zone. &nbsp;

"I expect it will be signed as everyone, the minister of defence and the prime minister and the president are concerned about this," minister Michel Najjar told a news conference. &nbsp;

Israel already pumps gas from huge offshore fields but Lebanon has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters. &nbsp;

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said Lebanon's latest move would derail the talks rather than help work towards a common solution.&nbsp;

"Unilateral Lebanese measures will, of course, be answered with parallel measures by Israel," he said in a statement. &nbsp;

Lebanon, in the throes of a deep financial meltdown that is threatening its stability, is desperate for cash as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.&nbsp;

"We will not give up any inch of our homeland or a drop of its waters or an inch of its dignity," Najjar said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior cabinet minister said on Monday he had signed a document expanding Lebanon's claims in a row with Israel over their maritime border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area.

A senior cabinet minister said on Monday he had signed a document expanding Lebanon's claims in a row with Israel over their maritime border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. The amendment would add around 1,400 square kilometres to the exclusive economic zone claimed by Lebanon in its original submission to the United Nations. Negotiations between old foes, Lebanon and Israel, were launched in October to try to resolve the dispute. The talks, a culmination of three years of diplomacy by the United States, have since stalled. The document signed by the caretaker public works and transport minister now needs to be signed off by the caretaker prime minister, minister of defence and president ahead of a request to the United Nations for a formal claim to register the new coordinates for the maritime zone. "I expect it will be signed as everyone, the minister of defence and the prime minister and the president are concerned about this," minister Michel Najjar told a news conference. Israel already pumps gas from huge offshore fields but Lebanon has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters. Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said Lebanon's latest move would derail the talks rather than help work towards a common solution. "Unilateral Lebanese measures will, of course, be answered with parallel measures by Israel," he said in a statement. Lebanon, in the throes of a deep financial meltdown that is threatening its stability, is desperate for cash as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war. "We will not give up any inch of our homeland or a drop of its waters or an inch of its dignity," Najjar said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanese minister expands claim in maritime area dispute with Israel 

Influential parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri said on Monday that Lebanon would sink like the Titanic if it could not form a government as he opened a session to approve emergency funds to literally keep the lights on for two more months.&nbsp;

"The whole country is in danger, the whole country is the Titanic," Berri said. "It's time we all woke up because in the end, if the ship sinks, there'll be no one left."&nbsp;

Lebanon is in the throes of a financial crisis that poses the biggest threat to its stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. Without a new government, it cannot implement the reforms required to unlock desperately needed foreign aid.&nbsp;

But prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri and President Michel Aoun have been at loggerheads for months over the makeup of a new cabinet.&nbsp;

Parliament approved a loan of $200 million to pay for fuel for Lebanon's electricity company after a warning by the energy ministry that cash had run out for electricity generation beyond the end of the month.&nbsp;

"This should be enough for electricity for around two months or two-and-a-half," Cesar Abi Khalil, a member of parliament and former energy minister, said.&nbsp;

The Zahrani power plant, one of Lebanon's four main electricity producers, has already had to shut down for lack of fuel.&nbsp;

"Any shutdown in one of these big plants affects power generation negatively," Abi Khalil said. "This means Lebanese make up for it with generators that run on diesel that's 30% more expensive than the fuel that's bought by the electricity company."&nbsp;

Lebanon already lacks power generation capacity and homes and businesses have to cope with power cuts for several hours a day, forcing many to turn to private generators.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Influential parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri said on Monday that Lebanon would sink like the Titanic if it could not form a government as he opened a session to approve emergency funds to literally keep the lights on for two more months.

Influential parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri said on Monday that Lebanon would sink like the Titanic if it could not form a government as he opened a session to approve emergency funds to literally keep the lights on for two more months. "The whole country is in danger, the whole country is the Titanic," Berri said. "It's time we all woke up because in the end, if the ship sinks, there'll be no one left." Lebanon is in the throes of a financial crisis that poses the biggest threat to its stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. Without a new government, it cannot implement the reforms required to unlock desperately needed foreign aid. But prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri and President Michel Aoun have been at loggerheads for months over the makeup of a new cabinet. Parliament approved a loan of $200 million to pay for fuel for Lebanon's electricity company after a warning by the energy ministry that cash had run out for electricity generation beyond the end of the month. "This should be enough for electricity for around two months or two-and-a-half," Cesar Abi Khalil, a member of parliament and former energy minister, said. The Zahrani power plant, one of Lebanon's four main electricity producers, has already had to shut down for lack of fuel. "Any shutdown in one of these big plants affects power generation negatively," Abi Khalil said. "This means Lebanese make up for it with generators that run on diesel that's 30% more expensive than the fuel that's bought by the electricity company." Lebanon already lacks power generation capacity and homes and businesses have to cope with power cuts for several hours a day, forcing many to turn to private generators. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon could sink like Titanic: Parliament speaker  

Four Syrians, two women and two children, were found dead on Friday in eastern Lebanon after having gone missing, the governor of Lebanon`s Baalbek and Hermel region tweeted.

The four were found, frozen to death, after a search operation by the Lebanese civil defence, army and security forces, Bachir Khodr said.

"An investigation will be launched into the Lebanese individual who was with them previously to see if this was human smuggling or not," he said.

Lebanon has more than a million Syrian refugees who have fled their homes since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011.

Four Syrians, two women and two children, were found dead on Friday in eastern Lebanon after having gone missing, the governor of Lebanon`s Baalbek and Hermel region tweeted.

Four Syrians, two women and two children, were found dead on Friday in eastern Lebanon after having gone missing, the governor of Lebanon`s Baalbek and Hermel region tweeted. The four were found, frozen to death, after a search operation by the Lebanese civil defence, army and security forces, Bachir Khodr said. "An investigation will be launched into the Lebanese individual who was with them previously to see if this was human smuggling or not," he said. Lebanon has more than a million Syrian refugees who have fled their homes since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011.

Four Syrians found frozen to death in eastern Lebanon

Lebanon hikes bread price for the third time in nine months. The price of 960 grams of bread would be set at 3,000 Lebanese pounds and this is more than double since May last year.

Lebanon hikes bread price for third time in nine months

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