Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered local authorities to dispatch two airplanes loaded with medical aid to Lebanon to assist in its efforts to recover from the devastating explosion which rocked the capital Beirut on Tuesday, Egyptian media reported.
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that the Egyptian Field Hospital, built in the aftermath of the 2006 Lebanon War, was on hand to provide as much assistance as possible. The ministry also sent Egypt’s condolences to the people of Lebanon.
The hospital offers free medical services and drugs to the Lebanese people and citizens of other countries living in Lebanon, according to local media.
The Egypt Independent reported that Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Yasser Elwy visited the facility to inspect its treatment of victims of the blast.
Egypt is not alone in its efforts to support Lebanon. Tunisia will also send an aid package to Lebanon, a statement from the presidency on Wednesday said.
President Kais Saied had directed two military planes loaded with food and medical supplies to be flown to Lebanon “as a sign of solidarity”.
“President Kais Saied instructed two military planes loaded with food and medical supplies to be sent to the Lebanese people as a sign of solidarity following the Beirut explosion. A hundred wounded people will also be transported and taken care of in Tunisia,” the presidency said.
Algeria and Kenya also sent messages reaffirming their support for Lebanon, which has weathered a series of conflicts and attacks over the years, including a 15-year civil war.
“I stand in my personal name and on behalf of Algeria, people and government, to express to you and through you to the brotherly Lebanese people and to the families of the victims our sincere condolences and all our compassion and solidarity,” Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said.
“President Kenyatta expressed Kenya’s sympathy for the Lebanese people and wished them God’s comfort as they come to terms with the regrettable destruction of their iconic capital city,” a statement from the Kenyan presidency said.
The explosion, widely reported as one of the worst to hit the country, killed at least 100 people and injured thousands of others.
According to Lebanon’s Interior Minister, the explosion was suspected to be caused by the ignition of more than 2,700 tons of unsecured ammonium nitrate at a warehouse in the city’s port area.
