The number of people injured in the huge explosion that shook Beirut is over 6,000 • Demonstrations to the French president visiting the city: "Free us from Hezbollah"

• Funeral funeral in an explosion in Beirut // Photo: AFP

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from the massive explosion that took place yesterday in Beirut now stands at 145 people and that the number of injured is over 6,000 people. It was also reported that there are dozens of missing persons whose lives are in danger. 

Along with the heavy mourning, several small miracles also took place in Beirut when a 6-year-old boy was rescued from the rubble in the north of the city and taken for medical treatment. A medical aid team from France that arrived in Beirut this morning told local media that there was a good chance of finding more survivors among the rubble. 

Other countries enlisted to help Lebanon as Australia pledged to transfer $ 1.4 million for disaster relief and casualties. China has also announced that it will send a medical team, along with a field hospital and heavy equipment, to the country. It was also reported in the media that the port of Tripoli has significantly increased the volume of its activities in order to allow shipping to the country. 

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the Lebanese capital, a testament to the historic connection between Paris and Beirut and pledged that his country would help Lebanon "without preconditions." 

In contrast, hundreds of protesters who greeted the French president near the Lebanese presidential palace called on and supported the change of regime in the country and the removal of Hezbollah from key positions. Macron responded to the calls, saying: "It is clear to me that a fundamental political change is needed here. The explosion should be the beginning of a new era for Lebanon." 

One of the protesters managed to contact Macron directly and told him: "We want the aid that France will send information to the people and not to corrupt leaders." During a visit to a Christian neighborhood, protesters called on the French president to "free us from Hezbollah control."