The blasts in Beirut has taken at least 100 lives. This calamity couldn't have come at the worst time. With an economic crisis looming large - tensions are also high in Lebanon ahead of a verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Five videos tell the tale of Beirut Blasts

Before 1975, Beirut was the hub of economic, social, intellectual, and cultural life in West Asia. But, after the Lebanese Civil War - the city has struggled to rise from its bloody past. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Beirut | The embattled Jewel of the Mediterranean

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered.

Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack? Who is to blame? And what does it mean for a volatile West Asia?

At least 100 people have died in this twin explosion so far. More than 4,000 are injured. This is now a humanitarian crisis. Up to 300,000 people have been left homeless.

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The damage could range from 3 to 5 billion dollars.

The cause of the explosion? Ammonium nitrate. There were two blasts in the port area of Beirut. There were 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored there.

This chemical is used as a fertiliser in agriculture. It can be used in explosives too.

But, for now, officials in Lebanon haven’t been able to ascertain the exact cause of the blast.

Lebanon’s prime minister has declared the guilty will be punished.

The biggest question right now is this.

Was this accidental? Or was it a terrorist attack?

No one knows for sure. A local media report rules out the terrorism angle. Reportedly, a defence official has said this wasn’t a terrorist act.

What were the circumstances that led to this catastrophe?

There are no clear answers yet. Reports say the first blast may have happened at a fireworks warehouse in the port.

The fire then could have spread to the stockpile of ammonium nitrate. Something, that had been stored in a depot for six years now.

But, this calamity only makes the situation worse for Lebanon.

Before the explosion, Lebanon was suffering as the value of its currency had plunged.

The Lebanese economy is on life support. There was an influx of refugees from neighbouring Syria and the outbreak of Wuhan virus. This pandemic had pushed Lebanon to its knees.

This explosion will seriously cripple Lebanon. The implications are many.

First, the explosion is a big blow for Lebanon’s economy.

It has destroyed its biggest port. Lebanon is an import-dependent country.

Local authorities are now worried. How are they going to bring in food, medical and other badly needed supplies?

While there is an alternative, a port in tripoli could handle the imports. But, there could be serious shortages.

The country imports 90% of its wheat consumption. Nearly half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line. 35% of the people are reportedly out of work.

Already, the central bank had to dip into its reserves. Just to subsidize wheat, fuel and medicine.

This is Lebanon’s worst crisis in decades and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Last year, Lebanon witnessed massive protests against the political establishment.

These were nationwide protests against corruption, economic mismanagement and sectarian politics. There could be another wave of protests. 
This is a crisis of gigantic proportions.

Earlier today, Beirut's governor broke down in tears during a tv interview at the blast site. Several countries have now come forward with help. The European nations have rushed aid to Lebanon with some nations even offering relief.

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered. Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack?

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered. Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack? Who is to blame? And what does it mean for a volatile West Asia? At least 100 people have died in this twin explosion so far. More than 4,000 are injured. This is now a humanitarian crisis. Up to 300,000 people have been left homeless. The damage could range from 3 to 5 billion dollars. The cause of the explosion? Ammonium nitrate. There were two blasts in the port area of Beirut. There were 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored there. This chemical is used as a fertiliser in agriculture. It can be used in explosives too. But, for now, officials in Lebanon haven’t been able to ascertain the exact cause of the blast. Lebanon’s prime minister has declared the guilty will be punished. The biggest question right now is this. Was this accidental? Or was it a terrorist attack? No one knows for sure. A local media report rules out the terrorism angle. Reportedly, a defence official has said this wasn’t a terrorist act. What were the circumstances that led to this catastrophe? There are no clear answers yet. Reports say the first blast may have happened at a fireworks warehouse in the port. The fire then could have spread to the stockpile of ammonium nitrate. Something, that had been stored in a depot for six years now. But, this calamity only makes the situation worse for Lebanon. Before the explosion, Lebanon was suffering as the value of its currency had plunged. The Lebanese economy is on life support. There was an influx of refugees from neighbouring Syria and the outbreak of Wuhan virus. This pandemic had pushed Lebanon to its knees. This explosion will seriously cripple Lebanon. The implications are many. First, the explosion is a big blow for Lebanon’s economy. It has destroyed its biggest port. Lebanon is an import-dependent country. Local authorities are now worried. How are they going to bring in food, medical and other badly needed supplies? While there is an alternative, a port in tripoli could handle the imports. But, there could be serious shortages. The country imports 90% of its wheat consumption. Nearly half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line. 35% of the people are reportedly out of work. Already, the central bank had to dip into its reserves. Just to subsidize wheat, fuel and medicine. This is Lebanon’s worst crisis in decades and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Last year, Lebanon witnessed massive protests against the political establishment. These were nationwide protests against corruption, economic mismanagement and sectarian politics. There could be another wave of protests. This is a crisis of gigantic proportions. Earlier today, Beirut's governor broke down in tears during a tv interview at the blast site. Several countries have now come forward with help. The European nations have rushed aid to Lebanon with some nations even offering relief.

First economy, then protests and now explosions: How Lebanon situation turned from bad to worse?

The devastating blast in Beirut is yet another blast to the city. The city was supposed to be an economical, cultural and political hub of West Asia but Beirut is struggling to rise from its bloody past. Watch report.

Beirut struggles to rise: City of baffling contradictions

Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab has declared three days of mourning from Thursday as the death toll in the blasts in Beirut rose to at least 137. The explosion at Beirut port also has left tens of people missing and injured more than 5,000 others.

Tuesday's explosion obliterated part of the port and caused damage over a wide radius in the heart of the city, prompting fears the final number of those dead could yet rise significantly.

Lebanese rescue teams continued pulling out bodies and hunting for missing people late into Wednesday night from the wreckage. Officials blamed the blast&nbsp;on a huge stockpile of highly explosive material stored for years in unsafe conditions at the port.

Up to a quarter of a million people were left without homes fit to live in, officials said, after shockwaves smashed building facades, sucked furniture out into streets and shattered windows miles inland.

The explosion was the most powerful ever in Beirut, a city still scarred by civil war that ended three decades ago and reeling from an economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections. The blast rattled buildings on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, about 100 miles (160 km) away.

An official source familiar with preliminary investigations blamed the incident on "inaction and negligence", saying "nothing was done" by committees and judges involved in the matter to order the removal of hazardous material.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/initial-investigations-point-to-negligence-as-cause-of-beirut-blast-source-318389">Also read |&nbsp;Initial investigations point to negligence as cause of Beirut blast: Source</a>

Officials have not confirmed the origin of an initial blaze that sparked the explosion, although a security source and local media said it was started by welding work.

Many of those killed were port and custom employees, people working in the area or those driving nearby during the Tuesday evening rush hour. Some victims were hurled out to sea by the powerful blast.

The Red Cross was coordinating with the Health Ministry to set up morgues as hospitals were overwhelmed. Health officials reported that hospitals were running out of beds and equipment to attend to the injured. 
Beirut's Clemenceau Medical Center was "like a slaughterhouse, blood covering the corridors and the lifts," said Sara, one of its nurses.

Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud told Al Hadath TV that collective losses from the blast might reach as high as $15 billion, including indirect losses related to business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-once-jewel-of-mediterranean-now-a-city-of-baffling-contradictions-318435">Also read |&nbsp;Beirut, once jewel of Mediterranean, now a city of baffling contradictions</a>

Offers of international support poured in. Gulf Arab states, who in the past were major financial supporters of Lebanon but recently stepped back because of what they say is Iranian meddling, sent planes with medical equipment and other supplies.

Turkey said it would send 20 doctors to help treat the injured, as well as medical and relief assistance. Iraq pledged fuel aid, while Iran offered food and a field hospital.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tweeted: "We sympathize with the dear Lebanese citizens and stand by them in the painful tragedy of the Beirut port explosion ... Patience in the face of this incident will be a golden leaf of honour for Lebanon."

The United States, Britain and other Western nations, which have been demanding political and economic change in Lebanon, also offered aid. Germany, the Netherlands and Cyprus offered specialised search and rescue teams.

Two French planes were expected to arrive on Thursday with specialist rescue personnel and equipment, and President Emmanuel Macron was due to visit on Thursday.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the US government had not totally ruled out the possibility that Tuesday's explosion was an attack, and said it is still gathering intelligence on the blast.

(with inputs from agencies)

Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab has declared three days of mourning from Thursday as the death toll in the blasts in Beirut rose to at least 137. The explosion at Beirut port also has left tens of people missing and injured more than 5,000 others.

Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab has declared three days of mourning from Thursday as the death toll in the blasts in Beirut rose to at least 137. The explosion at Beirut port also has left tens of people missing and injured more than 5,000 others. Tuesday's explosion obliterated part of the port and caused damage over a wide radius in the heart of the city, prompting fears the final number of those dead could yet rise significantly. Lebanese rescue teams continued pulling out bodies and hunting for missing people late into Wednesday night from the wreckage. Officials blamed the blast on a huge stockpile of highly explosive material stored for years in unsafe conditions at the port. Up to a quarter of a million people were left without homes fit to live in, officials said, after shockwaves smashed building facades, sucked furniture out into streets and shattered windows miles inland. The explosion was the most powerful ever in Beirut, a city still scarred by civil war that ended three decades ago and reeling from an economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections. The blast rattled buildings on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, about 100 miles (160 km) away. An official source familiar with preliminary investigations blamed the incident on "inaction and negligence", saying "nothing was done" by committees and judges involved in the matter to order the removal of hazardous material. Also read | Initial investigations point to negligence as cause of Beirut blast: Source Officials have not confirmed the origin of an initial blaze that sparked the explosion, although a security source and local media said it was started by welding work. Many of those killed were port and custom employees, people working in the area or those driving nearby during the Tuesday evening rush hour. Some victims were hurled out to sea by the powerful blast. The Red Cross was coordinating with the Health Ministry to set up morgues as hospitals were overwhelmed. Health officials reported that hospitals were running out of beds and equipment to attend to the injured. Beirut's Clemenceau Medical Center was "like a slaughterhouse, blood covering the corridors and the lifts," said Sara, one of its nurses. Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud told Al Hadath TV that collective losses from the blast might reach as high as $15 billion, including indirect losses related to business. Also read | Beirut, once jewel of Mediterranean, now a city of baffling contradictions Offers of international support poured in. Gulf Arab states, who in the past were major financial supporters of Lebanon but recently stepped back because of what they say is Iranian meddling, sent planes with medical equipment and other supplies. Turkey said it would send 20 doctors to help treat the injured, as well as medical and relief assistance. Iraq pledged fuel aid, while Iran offered food and a field hospital. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tweeted: "We sympathize with the dear Lebanese citizens and stand by them in the painful tragedy of the Beirut port explosion ... Patience in the face of this incident will be a golden leaf of honour for Lebanon." The United States, Britain and other Western nations, which have been demanding political and economic change in Lebanon, also offered aid. Germany, the Netherlands and Cyprus offered specialised search and rescue teams. Two French planes were expected to arrive on Thursday with specialist rescue personnel and equipment, and President Emmanuel Macron was due to visit on Thursday. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the US government had not totally ruled out the possibility that Tuesday's explosion was an attack, and said it is still gathering intelligence on the blast. (with inputs from agencies)

Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared

The blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened.

"Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas," a statement said.

Numbers expected to shoot up

According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Being seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-massive-explosion-in-beirut-rises-to-78-pm-says-those-responsible-will-pay-318197" hreflang="en">Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay</a>

Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”.

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/massive-explosion-rips-through-beirut-78-killed-4000-injured-in-blast-lebanon-318221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Leaders angered by blast

Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

“Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address.

The blast occurred in the city's port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, Lebanon's state news agency NNA and two security sources said. A third security source said there were chemicals stored in the area.

Lebanon's economy has collapsed in recent months, with the local currency plummeting against the dollar, businesses closing en masse and poverty soaring at the same alarming rate as unemployment.&nbsp;

The blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened.

The blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened. "Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas," a statement said. Numbers expected to shoot up According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Being seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city. Also read: Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”. While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky. Leaders angered by blast Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east. Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community “Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The blast occurred in the city's port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, Lebanon's state news agency NNA and two security sources said. A third security source said there were chemicals stored in the area. Lebanon's economy has collapsed in recent months, with the local currency plummeting against the dollar, businesses closing en masse and poverty soaring at the same alarming rate as unemployment.

Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack.

In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

More to come

According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-10-killed-hundreds-injured-in-massive-blast-in-beirut-318177" hreflang="en">At least 10 killed, hundreds injured in massive blast in Beirut</a>

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky.

The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard all over the city.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/massive-explosion-rips-through-beirut-78-killed-4000-injured-in-blast-lebanon-318221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Overburdened hospitals

Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Locals first mistook it for an earthquake, owing to how big it was. In the aftermath of the blast, people could be seen lying on the streets, wounded, some dead.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

Hospitals are facing the brunt of the tragedy. A medic told Reuters that over 200 to 300 people were admitted into one emergency department. “I’ve never seen this. It was horrible”, the medic Rouba said.

Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.

“Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The US embassy has released a warning in the city asking people to stay indoors and wear masks as toxic gases from the blast may be lurking in the city.

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city. More to come According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”. Also read: At least 10 killed, hundreds injured in massive blast in Beirut While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky. The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard all over the city. Overburdened hospitals Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east. Locals first mistook it for an earthquake, owing to how big it was. In the aftermath of the blast, people could be seen lying on the streets, wounded, some dead. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community Hospitals are facing the brunt of the tragedy. A medic told Reuters that over 200 to 300 people were admitted into one emergency department. “I’ve never seen this. It was horrible”, the medic Rouba said. Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”. “Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The US embassy has released a warning in the city asking people to stay indoors and wear masks as toxic gases from the blast may be lurking in the city.

Death toll from massive explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM says 'those responsible will pay'

Two enormous explosions devastated Beirut's port on Tuesday, leaving at least 73 people dead and thousands injured.

World leaders pledge to help Lebanon | Beirut explosions | PM Modi | Donald Trump

The massive explosion in Beirut's Lebanon killing at least 100 people and injuring thousands. The death toll is expected to rise even further. Watch report.

Lebanon Blast: Massive explosion rips through Beirut, Ammonium Nitrate cache triggers blast

WION Dispatch: Hospitals in Beirut overwhelmed | Lebanon blast

Fineprint: Deadliest explosion due to Ammonium Nitrate in Beirut

Massive explosion rips through Beirut | 78 killed & 4,000+ injured in blast | Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Beirut Thursday to "meet all political actors" following the blasts that devastated the Lebanese capital Beirut, the French presidency said.

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Beirut Thursday to "meet all political actors" following the blasts that devastated the Lebanese capital Beirut, the French presidency said. Macron will meet his counterpart Michel Aoun, whom he called late Tuesday, as well as Prime Minister Hassan Diab, the Elysee announced as France prepared to send three planes with search and rescue personnel and medical equipment to the ravaged city. Macron's office said France would send 55 security personnel to Lebanon and 6 tonnes of health equipment, while around 10 emergency doctors would also fly to Beirut. Also read: Trump promises to assist Lebanon, calls the Beirut explosion an 'attack' "France is always on the side of Lebanon and the Lebanese people. It is ready to offer assistance depending on the needs expressed by Lebanese authorities," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Twitter. Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) is helping in the search for survivors, digging through debris to look for people and recover bodies. The group has also mobilised a kitchen at a Palestinian refugee camp to deliver food to those in need, said Mustafa Ozbek, an Istanbul-based IHH official. Also read: Beirut blasts: Over 100 killed as PM Hassan Diab vows those responsible will 'pay the price' "We are providing assistance with one ambulance to transfer patients. We may provide help according to the needs of the hospital," he said. Kuwait, Iran, Russia, Netherlands and Gulf states among those aiding Beirut after the blast.

French President Macron to meet Lebanon counterpart, PM on Thursday

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.

Social media is abuzz in Lebanon&nbsp;with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened.&nbsp;One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child.

Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊".

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 
Not all angels have wings 🕊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://t.co/94vVB5UTVc">pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc</a>
— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) <a href="https://twitter.com/HSajwanization/status/1290752248121905155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after&nbsp;the blast.

Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut".

The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users.

Watch the video here:

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عروس وسط بيروت.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZSPhYBLZra">pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra</a>
— رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaShalhoub/status/1290724338547777536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast.

The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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This video of a father in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForLebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrayForLebanon</a>🤲🤲🤲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforbeirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforbeirut</a>🤲🤲🤲 <a href="https://t.co/jzWoXst30m">pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m</a>
— Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) <a href="https://twitter.com/HayowAli/status/1290797180614311944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing&nbsp;the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutBlast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://t.co/ueurmqWf8g">pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g</a>
— 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) <a href="https://twitter.com/aamiryounus/status/1290829782913974272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the&nbsp;explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs&nbsp;had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable."

The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people.

Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors.&nbsp;Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters.

The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others.

Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday. Social media is abuzz in Lebanon with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened. One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child. Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊". Watch the video here: My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 Not all angels have wings 🕊 #BeirutExplosion #لبنان #Beirut pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc — حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) August 4, 2020 × Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after the blast. Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut". The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users. Watch the video here: عروس وسط بيروت.. #لبنان pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra — رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) August 4, 2020 × Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast. The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region. Watch the video here: This video of a father in #Beirut trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.#PrayForLebanon🤲🤲🤲#prayforbeirut🤲🤲🤲 pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m — Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) August 4, 2020 × Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast. Watch the video here: Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port #Beirut #BeirutBlast #BeirutExplosion pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g — 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) August 5, 2020 × Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday. Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable." The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people. Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors. Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters. The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others. Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.

Beirut blast: Viral videos of the moment when it happened!

Lebanon economy minister on Wednesday said that the country's main grain silo at Beirut port was destroyed in yesterday's devastating blast along with the wheat inside, leaving the nation with less than a month's reserves of the grain although other vessels with supplies are on the way.

Lebanon economy minister on Wednesday said that the country's main grain silo at Beirut port was destroyed in yesterday's devastating blast along with the wheat inside, leaving the nation with less than a month's reserves of the grain although other vessels with supplies are on the way. Reuters report quoted Raoul Nehme as saying that Lebanon needed reserves for at least three months to ensure food security and was looking at other storage areas. The reserves now stood at "a bit less than a month", he said. Also read: Beirut blasts: Over 100 killed as PM Hassan Diab vows those responsible will 'pay the price' The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled remains. The blast also disabled the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people. The Beirut silo was capable of holding 120,000 tonnes of grain, said Ahmed Tamer, the director of the port of Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest city. The port in Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest port, is not equipped with grain storage facilities but wheat could be transferred to warehouses 2 km (about one mile) away, he said. Also read: Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer behind many industrial accidents At the time of the blast, the Beirut silo held no more than 15,000 tonnes of wheat as some millers had unloaded cargoes directly because of a delay in issuing letters of credit for payment, Ahmed Hattit, the head of the wheat importers union, told the local Al-Akhbar newspaper. Hattit said existing reserves of flour were sufficient to cover market needs for a month and a half and said there were four ships carrying cargoes totalling 28,000 tonnes of wheat that had not docked at the port yet. Lebanon is trying to immediately transfer four vessels carrying 25,000 tonnes of flour to the port in Tripoli, an economy ministry official told news channel LBCI. (With inputs from Reuters)

After blast, Lebanon has less than a month's reserves of grain, minister says

Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut.

Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION said, ''we are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now."

He also said no one at the Indian mission in the country has been impacted by the blast.

Indian mission has shared its help line numbers with the Indian community.

There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority&nbsp;of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms, etc

Social media images showed explosion in the country's capital. The development comes even as verdict in the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri is due on Friday. He was assassinated in 2005. Four members of Iran-back terror group Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for his assassination at the court in the Netherlands.&nbsp;

Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut. Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr.

Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut. Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION said, ''we are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now." He also said no one at the Indian mission in the country has been impacted by the blast. Indian mission has shared its help line numbers with the Indian community. There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms, etc Social media images showed explosion in the country's capital. The development comes even as verdict in the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri is due on Friday. He was assassinated in 2005. Four members of Iran-back terror group Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for his assassination at the court in the Netherlands.

Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community

Lebanese authorities are failing to address the acute economic and political crisis that is endangering people’s basic rights, human rights.

Lebanon: Worst economic crisis since the end of Civil war in 1990

Lebanon's Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti resigned on Monday over what he described as lack of political will to reform as his nation wrestles with a financial crisis posing the biggest threat to stability since a 1975-1990 civil war.

Foreign donors have made it clear there will be no aid until Beirut enacts long-stalled reforms to tackle state waste and corruption, root causes of the collapse. Talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been put on hold amid a row over the scale of financial losses.

"Given the absence of an effective will to achieve structural, comprehensive reform which our society and the international community have urged us to do, I have decided to resign," Hitti said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lebanons-pandemic-fighter-restores-some-faith-in-public-sector-317785" hreflang="en">Lebanon's pandemic fighter restores some faith in public sector</a>

"I took part in this government to work for one boss called Lebanon, then I found in my country multiple bosses and contradicting interests," he said. "If they do not come together in the interest of rescuing the Lebanese people, God forbid, the ship will sink with everyone on it."

Hitti, a former Lebanese ambassador to the Arab League, was named foreign minister in January when Prime Minister Hassan Diab took office with the support of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its allies.&nbsp;

His decision to quit was also driven by differences with Diab, especially after a recent visit by France's foreign minister, and frustration at being sidelined, sources close to the ministry earlier told Reuters.

Diab appeared to criticise French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian for tying any aid to reforms and an IMF deal on his visit to Beirut last month.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hunger-crimes-on-the-rise-in-crisis-hit-lebanon-313369" hreflang="en">'Hunger crimes' on the rise in crisis-hit Lebanon</a>

The state entered talks with the IMF in May after defaulting on its hefty foreign currency debt.&nbsp;

But hopes of salvation through an IMF deal have been put on hold in the absence of reforms and amid differences between the government and banks over the financial losses.

Lebanon's Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti resigned on Monday over what he described as lack of political will to reform as his nation wrestles with a financial crisis posing the biggest threat to stability since a 1975-1990 civil war.

Lebanon's Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti resigned on Monday over what he described as lack of political will to reform as his nation wrestles with a financial crisis posing the biggest threat to stability since a 1975-1990 civil war. Foreign donors have made it clear there will be no aid until Beirut enacts long-stalled reforms to tackle state waste and corruption, root causes of the collapse. Talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been put on hold amid a row over the scale of financial losses. "Given the absence of an effective will to achieve structural, comprehensive reform which our society and the international community have urged us to do, I have decided to resign," Hitti said in a statement. Also read: Lebanon's pandemic fighter restores some faith in public sector "I took part in this government to work for one boss called Lebanon, then I found in my country multiple bosses and contradicting interests," he said. "If they do not come together in the interest of rescuing the Lebanese people, God forbid, the ship will sink with everyone on it." Hitti, a former Lebanese ambassador to the Arab League, was named foreign minister in January when Prime Minister Hassan Diab took office with the support of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its allies. His decision to quit was also driven by differences with Diab, especially after a recent visit by France's foreign minister, and frustration at being sidelined, sources close to the ministry earlier told Reuters. Diab appeared to criticise French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian for tying any aid to reforms and an IMF deal on his visit to Beirut last month. Also read: 'Hunger crimes' on the rise in crisis-hit Lebanon The state entered talks with the IMF in May after defaulting on its hefty foreign currency debt. But hopes of salvation through an IMF deal have been put on hold in the absence of reforms and amid differences between the government and banks over the financial losses.

Lebanon's foreign minister quits over lack of 'will to reform'

Lebanon is mired in its worst economic crisis in decades, with the downturn sparking soaring inflation and plunging almost half the country’s population into poverty.

Lebanon's rich make a beeline for the Faqra club resort town

Tensions have escalated at borders at the border between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of sending its fighters into Israeli territory.

Israel-Lebanon border tensions: Israel claimed to have rebelled fighters

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in the capital of Lebanon Beirut on July 26 to protest against the ongoing Bisri dam project. Watch report.

Anti-dam protest erupts in Lebanon: Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Beirut

Zakaria al-Omar was walking through Beirut when a stranger robbed him at knifepoint, a desperate crime of a kind that has become increasingly common in crisis-torn Lebanon.&nbsp; 
 
The small Mediterranean country is mired in an economic crisis marked by a steep currency fall and runaway inflation that have plunged nearly half of the population into poverty. 
 
Omar, a 37-year-old graphic designer, recalled the terrifying and tragic encounter that started when a man in his 40s crept up behind him as he walked alone at night through Beirut's Hamra commercial district.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lebanon-protests-president-michel-aoun-urges-nation-to-unite-304030" hreflang="en">Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite</a> 
 
"He told me that he didn't want to hurt me. He asked me to give him money or take him to a grocery store to buy some food," Omar recounted. "He said his children back home were crying from hunger." 
 
The robber grabbed the money and darted toward his motorcycle, then stopped dead in his tracks and returned, explaining that he had lost his job and could no longer pay the rent.&nbsp; 
 
"He started crying and apologised to me," Omar told AFP. "He told me that he was not a thief but that he was hungry and so were his children." 
 
Omar said he refused to take back the cash. 
 
"I told him that I forgave him, and then he went away," Omar said. "I was scared but I also felt sad for that man breaking down in front of me." 
 
Lebanon's Internal Security Forces say crime rates have shot up this year amid Lebanon's worst economic turmoil since the 1975-1990 civil war. 
 
The ISF recorded 863 thefts and robberies in the first half of this year, up from 650 for all of 2019, according to a document seen by AFP.

Apologetic robbers 
A security official who asked not to be named told AFP that broader crime rates during the first half of 2020 reached a six-year peak, especially murders and robberies. 
 
The rise appeared to be driven by the deepening economic crisis, said the official, who was not authorised to speak on the issue.&nbsp; 
 
Police were noticing a "new kind of theft that involves mainly baby milk, food, and medicine", the source said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lebanon-spells-out-painful-steps-required-in-financial-rescue-plan-278183" hreflang="en">Lebanon spells out 'painful steps' required in financial rescue plan</a> 
 
In another trend that evoked Omar's encounter, the source added, "more than one victim has said the perpetrators apologised while robbing them". 
 
Tens of thousands of Lebanese have lost their jobs or part of their salaries, while a crippling dollar shortage has sparked rapid inflation. 
 
The Lebanese pound, though officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507, reached a peak of more than 9,000 to the greenback on the black market in early July. 
 
With Lebanon heavily reliant on imports, the price of medicine, baby milk and food has reached record highs.&nbsp; 
 
The price of a relatively cheap brand of diapers has shot up from 15,000 Lebanese pounds ($10 at the official rate) to 34,000 pounds ($23) per pack. 
 
And the cost of a tin of baby milk has climbed from 23,000 ($15) to 35,000 pounds ($23) on average, with some brands selling for as much as 45,000 pounds ($30).

'Deteriorating conditions' 
In a video widely shared on social media this month, three men were filmed walking away from a Beirut restaurant carrying a large and heavy-looking safe. 
 
Walid Ataya, the restaurant owner, said: "They took money from the cash register, even the spare change. Then they scoured the place until they spotted the safe, which they couldn't open." 
 
He did not reveal exactly how much was lost but said the robbers stole the proceeds from "two years' worth of work". 
 
Ataya, who owns a chain of upscale restaurants in Beirut, said the safe contained cash he did not want to deposit in a bank, now a common concern. 
 
Since the autumn, Lebanese banks have gradually forbidden depositors from withdrawing their dollar savings or transferring them abroad, prompting many to stash cash in their offices or at home. 
 
Apart from money, increasingly more cars are being stolen. 
 
The ISF has recorded 303 vehicle thefts so far this year -- more than the 273 in the second half of last year. 
 
The increase, the security source said, was clearly linked to "deteriorating economic conditions and rising youth unemployment".&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Zakaria al-Omar was walking through Beirut when a stranger robbed him at knifepoint, a desperate crime of a kind that has become increasingly common in crisis-torn Lebanon.

Zakaria al-Omar was walking through Beirut when a stranger robbed him at knifepoint, a desperate crime of a kind that has become increasingly common in crisis-torn Lebanon. The small Mediterranean country is mired in an economic crisis marked by a steep currency fall and runaway inflation that have plunged nearly half of the population into poverty. Omar, a 37-year-old graphic designer, recalled the terrifying and tragic encounter that started when a man in his 40s crept up behind him as he walked alone at night through Beirut's Hamra commercial district. Also read: Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite "He told me that he didn't want to hurt me. He asked me to give him money or take him to a grocery store to buy some food," Omar recounted. "He said his children back home were crying from hunger." The robber grabbed the money and darted toward his motorcycle, then stopped dead in his tracks and returned, explaining that he had lost his job and could no longer pay the rent. "He started crying and apologised to me," Omar told AFP. "He told me that he was not a thief but that he was hungry and so were his children." Omar said he refused to take back the cash. "I told him that I forgave him, and then he went away," Omar said. "I was scared but I also felt sad for that man breaking down in front of me." Lebanon's Internal Security Forces say crime rates have shot up this year amid Lebanon's worst economic turmoil since the 1975-1990 civil war. The ISF recorded 863 thefts and robberies in the first half of this year, up from 650 for all of 2019, according to a document seen by AFP. Apologetic robbers A security official who asked not to be named told AFP that broader crime rates during the first half of 2020 reached a six-year peak, especially murders and robberies. The rise appeared to be driven by the deepening economic crisis, said the official, who was not authorised to speak on the issue. Police were noticing a "new kind of theft that involves mainly baby milk, food, and medicine", the source said. Also read: Lebanon spells out 'painful steps' required in financial rescue plan In another trend that evoked Omar's encounter, the source added, "more than one victim has said the perpetrators apologised while robbing them". Tens of thousands of Lebanese have lost their jobs or part of their salaries, while a crippling dollar shortage has sparked rapid inflation. The Lebanese pound, though officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507, reached a peak of more than 9,000 to the greenback on the black market in early July. With Lebanon heavily reliant on imports, the price of medicine, baby milk and food has reached record highs. The price of a relatively cheap brand of diapers has shot up from 15,000 Lebanese pounds ($10 at the official rate) to 34,000 pounds ($23) per pack. And the cost of a tin of baby milk has climbed from 23,000 ($15) to 35,000 pounds ($23) on average, with some brands selling for as much as 45,000 pounds ($30). 'Deteriorating conditions' In a video widely shared on social media this month, three men were filmed walking away from a Beirut restaurant carrying a large and heavy-looking safe. Walid Ataya, the restaurant owner, said: "They took money from the cash register, even the spare change. Then they scoured the place until they spotted the safe, which they couldn't open." He did not reveal exactly how much was lost but said the robbers stole the proceeds from "two years' worth of work". Ataya, who owns a chain of upscale restaurants in Beirut, said the safe contained cash he did not want to deposit in a bank, now a common concern. Since the autumn, Lebanese banks have gradually forbidden depositors from withdrawing their dollar savings or transferring them abroad, prompting many to stash cash in their offices or at home. Apart from money, increasingly more cars are being stolen. The ISF has recorded 303 vehicle thefts so far this year -- more than the 273 in the second half of last year. The increase, the security source said, was clearly linked to "deteriorating economic conditions and rising youth unemployment".

'Hunger crimes' on the rise in crisis-hit Lebanon

Poor people in Lebanon are struggling to buy food and other basic items as the country fails to do anything to remedy its collapsing currency and wider financial meltdown, raising big concerns for its stability.

Basic necessities like food become unaffordable in Lebanon

Anti-government protesters took to the streets in multiple Lebanese urban centers on Thursday

Fresh anti-govt protests grip Lebanon

A Lebanese judge on Saturday banned media from reporting remarks by the US ambassador after she spoke about the powerful Hezbollah movement, a ruling criticised as non-binding and unenforceable.

During an interview with Saudi-owned news channel Al-Hadath aired on Friday, Dorothy Shea said the United States has "grave concerns about the role of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organisation".

"It has syphoned off billions of dollars that should have gone into government coffers so that the government can provide basic services to its people," she said.

"It has obstructed some of the economic reforms the Lebanese economy so desperately needs," she added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/empty-fridges-tell-stories-of-empty-stomachs-amid-lebanon-economic-crisis-308481">Have a look:&nbsp;Empty fridges tell stories of empty stomachs amid Lebanon economic crisis</a>

The US considers Hezbollah a terrorist organisation but the group and its allies command a majority in parliament and the cabinet.

On Saturday, a judge in south Lebanon issued an order banning local and foreign media working in the country from airing or publishing locally comments by the US ambassador for a year.

"The US ambassador discussed in her interview a Lebanese party represented in parliament and cabinet and that enjoys a wide popular base," the order said, referring to Hezbollah.

"The US ambassador has no right to talk about this party," the order added, accusing her of promoting internal sedition and strife.

The judge acknowledged that international law gives diplomats immunity but said media could be punished for violating his order.

The US embassy in Lebanon responded on Twitter, saying "we believe very much in freedom of expression and the important role a free media plays in the United States and Lebanon."

The State Department issued a more fiery response from Washington later Saturday, stating: "Hezbollah's attempt to silence the Lebanese media is pathetic. To even think to use the judiciary to silence freedom of speech and freedom of the press is ludicrous. We stand with the Lebanese people and against Hezbollah's censorship."

Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad dismissed the judge's order, saying "no one has the right to ban the media from covering the news."

Any issue pertaining to the media should pass through the information ministry and official judicial channels, she added.

Local broadcaster LBC said it would not abide by the ruling, calling it a "non-binding and unenforceable" decision that violates freedom of press.

It said it would challenge the ruling in court.

Lebanon's economic crisis has led to a collapse of the local currency and purchasing power, plunging whole segments of society into poverty.

Earlier this year, Lebanon defaulted on its debt. The Lebanese pound remains pegged to the dollar, but its value has plunged on the black market.

The government is currently in talks with the International Monetary Fund over a potential bail out.&nbsp;

A Lebanese judge on Saturday banned media from reporting remarks by the US ambassador after she spoke about the powerful Hezbollah movement, a ruling criticised as non-binding and unenforceable.

A Lebanese judge on Saturday banned media from reporting remarks by the US ambassador after she spoke about the powerful Hezbollah movement, a ruling criticised as non-binding and unenforceable. During an interview with Saudi-owned news channel Al-Hadath aired on Friday, Dorothy Shea said the United States has "grave concerns about the role of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organisation". "It has syphoned off billions of dollars that should have gone into government coffers so that the government can provide basic services to its people," she said. "It has obstructed some of the economic reforms the Lebanese economy so desperately needs," she added. Have a look: Empty fridges tell stories of empty stomachs amid Lebanon economic crisis The US considers Hezbollah a terrorist organisation but the group and its allies command a majority in parliament and the cabinet. On Saturday, a judge in south Lebanon issued an order banning local and foreign media working in the country from airing or publishing locally comments by the US ambassador for a year. "The US ambassador discussed in her interview a Lebanese party represented in parliament and cabinet and that enjoys a wide popular base," the order said, referring to Hezbollah. "The US ambassador has no right to talk about this party," the order added, accusing her of promoting internal sedition and strife. The judge acknowledged that international law gives diplomats immunity but said media could be punished for violating his order. The US embassy in Lebanon responded on Twitter, saying "we believe very much in freedom of expression and the important role a free media plays in the United States and Lebanon." The State Department issued a more fiery response from Washington later Saturday, stating: "Hezbollah's attempt to silence the Lebanese media is pathetic. To even think to use the judiciary to silence freedom of speech and freedom of the press is ludicrous. We stand with the Lebanese people and against Hezbollah's censorship." Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad dismissed the judge's order, saying "no one has the right to ban the media from covering the news." Any issue pertaining to the media should pass through the information ministry and official judicial channels, she added. Local broadcaster LBC said it would not abide by the ruling, calling it a "non-binding and unenforceable" decision that violates freedom of press. It said it would challenge the ruling in court. Lebanon's economic crisis has led to a collapse of the local currency and purchasing power, plunging whole segments of society into poverty. Earlier this year, Lebanon defaulted on its debt. The Lebanese pound remains pegged to the dollar, but its value has plunged on the black market. The government is currently in talks with the International Monetary Fund over a potential bail out.

Lebanon judge issues non-binding media ban against US ambassador

Empty fridges tell stories of empty stomachs amid Lebanon economic crisis

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab accused his opponents on Saturday of deepening a currency crisis and fuelling unrest as the country entered a third day of protests sparked by a sharp drop in the Lebanese pound. 
Protests broke out on Thursday after the currency plunged to new lows over the past week, with rising anger over the government's inability to contain an economic crisis that has devastated living conditions.

The pound has lost some 70% of its value since October, when the debt-saddled country was plunged into a financial crisis that has hiked prices, slashed jobs, and brought on capital controls that have frozen people out of their dollar savings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-day-of-protests-across-lebanon-clashes-erupt-between-army-and-demonstrators-305563">Also watch:&nbsp;Second day of protests across Lebanon, clashes erupt between army and demonstrators</a>

The currency, which had hit about 5,000 to the dollar, appeared to reverse its slide on Friday after a government announcement that the central bank would inject dollars into the market on Monday.

In a televised address on Saturday, Diab said political opponents looking to thwart government efforts to investigate and crack down on corruption were stirring the latest unrest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-pound-hits-new-low-despite-govt-efforts-sparking-protests-305316">Also read:&nbsp;Lebanese pound hits new low despite govt efforts, sparking protests</a>

"Some have tried to exploit the situation again...They have thrown lies and rumours, have contributed to deepening the Lebanese pound crisis, have caused a major crisis and have pushed people onto the streets," Diab said. 
Diab, who took office in January with the backing of the powerful Iran-aligned Hezbollah, did not name the opponents.

Protesters returned to streets across Lebanon on Saturday, with demonstrations in Beirut, the northern city of Tripoli, and Sidon in the south, expressing outrage over the deteriorating conditions and many calling on the government to resign.

The renewed unrest could complicate Beirut`s ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund over a reform programme it hopes will secure billions in financing and kickstart a recovery.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab accused his opponents on Saturday of deepening a currency crisis and fuelling unrest as the country entered a third day of protests sparked by a sharp drop in the Lebanese pound.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab accused his opponents on Saturday of deepening a currency crisis and fuelling unrest as the country entered a third day of protests sparked by a sharp drop in the Lebanese pound. Protests broke out on Thursday after the currency plunged to new lows over the past week, with rising anger over the government's inability to contain an economic crisis that has devastated living conditions. The pound has lost some 70% of its value since October, when the debt-saddled country was plunged into a financial crisis that has hiked prices, slashed jobs, and brought on capital controls that have frozen people out of their dollar savings. Also watch: Second day of protests across Lebanon, clashes erupt between army and demonstrators The currency, which had hit about 5,000 to the dollar, appeared to reverse its slide on Friday after a government announcement that the central bank would inject dollars into the market on Monday. In a televised address on Saturday, Diab said political opponents looking to thwart government efforts to investigate and crack down on corruption were stirring the latest unrest. Also read: Lebanese pound hits new low despite govt efforts, sparking protests "Some have tried to exploit the situation again...They have thrown lies and rumours, have contributed to deepening the Lebanese pound crisis, have caused a major crisis and have pushed people onto the streets," Diab said. Diab, who took office in January with the backing of the powerful Iran-aligned Hezbollah, did not name the opponents. Protesters returned to streets across Lebanon on Saturday, with demonstrations in Beirut, the northern city of Tripoli, and Sidon in the south, expressing outrage over the deteriorating conditions and many calling on the government to resign. The renewed unrest could complicate Beirut`s ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund over a reform programme it hopes will secure billions in financing and kickstart a recovery.

Lebanese PM blames opponents for unrest as protests enter third day

The Lebanese pound sank to a record low on the black market on Thursday despite the authorities' attempts to halt the plunge of the crisis-hit country's currency, sparking a flare-up in anti-government protests.

Lebanon is in the grip of its worst economic turmoil in decades and holding talks with the International Monetary Fund to secure billions in aid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-protests-president-michel-aoun-urges-nation-to-unite-304030">Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite</a>

A prolonged economic downturn was the major grievance that sparked unprecedented mass protests in October last year against the political class, accused of corruption and incompetence.&nbsp;

Protests broke out again on Thursday, with roads blocked across the country, and security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

A throng of protesters blocked a key road in the centre of the capital Beirut, an AFP journalist reported.

"Thief, thief, Riad Salame is a thief!" demonstrators chanted, referring to the governor of the central bank.&nbsp;

Demonstrators also chanted slogans of national unity, after sectarian clashes shook Beirut during protests last weekend.

"People can't take it anymore, that's enough," said Haitham, a protester in central Beirut.

"People have no work, no food to eat. They cannot buy medicines, nappies or milk for their children."&nbsp;

In the centre of the capital, near Riad al-Solh square, security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw stones, according to local television.

In the northern city of Tripoli, the army also fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had tried to take over the local branch of the Central Bank, according to the state news agency ANI, adding that eight people were wounded.

A Molotov cocktail set fire to trees in front of the building, an AFP correspondent witnessed.&nbsp;

Tumbling currency&nbsp;

The Lebanese pound remains officially pegged to the US currency at a rate of 1,507 per dollar but its value has tumbled on the black market.

Rates from three money changers on Thursday morning indicated it had lost almost 70 per cent of its value compared with the official rate.

One money changer who asked to remain anonymous said he was selling dollars at a rate of 5,000 pounds and buying them at 4,800. Another in Beirut's Dahiya neighbourhood was buying dollars for 4,850 pounds.

The new nadir came despite government pledges to halt the pound's devaluation, and the money changers' union issuing a maximum daily buying rate of 3,890 and selling rate of 3,940.

On Thursday evening, a central bank statement cited by local media hit out at "baseless" information on social media of "exchange rates at levels far from reality, which mislead citizens".&nbsp;

The office of Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced an urgent cabinet meeting would be held on Friday to discuss the situation.

Lebanese banks have gradually restricted dollar withdrawals since late last year, forcing those in need to buy them at a higher rate on the black market.

An AFP photographer said on Thursday that many money-changing shops had closed, citing a lack of dollars.

In an apparent bid to better oversee the exchange market, the central bank is set to launch an online platform on June 23 through which changers will be asked to register all operations.

Buying power battered&nbsp;

Lebanon's economic crunch has caused poverty to soar to 45 per cent of the population and pushed unemployment up by 35 per cent.

It has also sparked steep inflation, including on imported products.

Nabil, a retired 64-year-old, said his buying power had taken a blow.

"Yesterday I went to a home appliance store to buy a fridge, and the salesman asked me for $1,200 in cash, or the equivalent at an exchange rate of 5,000, which is six million pounds," he said.

"That's twice my monthly pension."

Lebanon needs "emergency external assistance to ward off the worst social consequences of the crisis", analysts from the International Crisis Group warned on Monday.

The country defaulted on its debt in March for the first time in its history. 
&nbsp;

The Lebanese pound sank to a record low on the black market on Thursday despite the authorities' attempts to halt the plunge of the crisis-hit country's currency, sparking a flare-up in anti-government protests.

The Lebanese pound sank to a record low on the black market on Thursday despite the authorities' attempts to halt the plunge of the crisis-hit country's currency, sparking a flare-up in anti-government protests. Lebanon is in the grip of its worst economic turmoil in decades and holding talks with the International Monetary Fund to secure billions in aid. Also read | Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite A prolonged economic downturn was the major grievance that sparked unprecedented mass protests in October last year against the political class, accused of corruption and incompetence. Protests broke out again on Thursday, with roads blocked across the country, and security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators. A throng of protesters blocked a key road in the centre of the capital Beirut, an AFP journalist reported. "Thief, thief, Riad Salame is a thief!" demonstrators chanted, referring to the governor of the central bank. Demonstrators also chanted slogans of national unity, after sectarian clashes shook Beirut during protests last weekend. "People can't take it anymore, that's enough," said Haitham, a protester in central Beirut. "People have no work, no food to eat. They cannot buy medicines, nappies or milk for their children." In the centre of the capital, near Riad al-Solh square, security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw stones, according to local television. In the northern city of Tripoli, the army also fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had tried to take over the local branch of the Central Bank, according to the state news agency ANI, adding that eight people were wounded. A Molotov cocktail set fire to trees in front of the building, an AFP correspondent witnessed. Tumbling currency The Lebanese pound remains officially pegged to the US currency at a rate of 1,507 per dollar but its value has tumbled on the black market. Rates from three money changers on Thursday morning indicated it had lost almost 70 per cent of its value compared with the official rate. One money changer who asked to remain anonymous said he was selling dollars at a rate of 5,000 pounds and buying them at 4,800. Another in Beirut's Dahiya neighbourhood was buying dollars for 4,850 pounds. The new nadir came despite government pledges to halt the pound's devaluation, and the money changers' union issuing a maximum daily buying rate of 3,890 and selling rate of 3,940. On Thursday evening, a central bank statement cited by local media hit out at "baseless" information on social media of "exchange rates at levels far from reality, which mislead citizens". The office of Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced an urgent cabinet meeting would be held on Friday to discuss the situation. Lebanese banks have gradually restricted dollar withdrawals since late last year, forcing those in need to buy them at a higher rate on the black market. An AFP photographer said on Thursday that many money-changing shops had closed, citing a lack of dollars. In an apparent bid to better oversee the exchange market, the central bank is set to launch an online platform on June 23 through which changers will be asked to register all operations. Buying power battered Lebanon's economic crunch has caused poverty to soar to 45 per cent of the population and pushed unemployment up by 35 per cent. It has also sparked steep inflation, including on imported products. Nabil, a retired 64-year-old, said his buying power had taken a blow. "Yesterday I went to a home appliance store to buy a fridge, and the salesman asked me for $1,200 in cash, or the equivalent at an exchange rate of 5,000, which is six million pounds," he said. "That's twice my monthly pension." Lebanon needs "emergency external assistance to ward off the worst social consequences of the crisis", analysts from the International Crisis Group warned on Monday. The country defaulted on its debt in March for the first time in its history.

Lebanese pound hits new low despite govt efforts, sparking protests

Anti-government protests turned violent as clashes erupted between police and protestors. Protestors hit the streets in capital Beirut. Watch report.

Protests hit Lebanon as currency hits record low | World News

Security forces who were deployed in the area closed streets in the downtown while riot police fired tears gas at the demonstrators.

Lebanon sees violent anti-government protest

Anti-government protesters back on streets after three months pause in Lebanon. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to control the protesters. Watch this video to know more.

Anti-government protesters back on streets after 3 months pause in Lebanon

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