5 August 2020
Today, our thoughts are with the victims of the explosion in Beirut and their families. The international community must mobilise immediate humanitarian support to Lebanon, including direct medical and food assistance.
European Parliament Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT), said:
"I was terribly saddened to learn of the explosion that took place in the port of Beirut yesterday. My thoughts are with the many victims of this terrible incident as well as their families. I would like to express my sincere condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or a friend, and I hope for a swift recovery for the many injured.
The human and humanitarian cost is devastating and I urge the international community to come to the assistance of the people of Lebanon, who are already facing hardship as a result of the economic and fiscal crisis the country is facing. As the country is heavily dependent on imports of foods and medicines, the destruction of the main port in Beirut will further impact the economy and the lives of the Lebanese people.
I therefore call on the European Commission, specifically the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid operations, to mobilise all necessary humanitarian support to Lebanon, including direct medical and food assistance.
Lebanon hosts the world's highest number of refugees per capita, who will also need ongoing support during this time."
Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP