French president opens Beirut disaster donors' conference by calling for "Lebanon's future in jeopardy"
The scene of the destruction in Beirut // Photo: AP
French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned Israel as a possible aide to Lebanon at a conference aimed at raising funds from various international sources in order to help Lebanon deal with the blast disaster in the capital Beirut, which claimed the lives of 158 people and destroyed large parts of the city center.
"Israel has expressed its desire to help despite the geopolitical difficulty, Israel has offered to attend the conference and the matter should be examined," the French president told donors, assuring that the funds raised for the victims of the disaster would not reach "corrupt hands." In doing so, Makron stung the Lebanese government, which suffers from international unpopularity and among Lebanese residents. Macron's remarks also referred to many, especially in the United States, who fear that the aid money will find its way into the terrorist organization Hezbollah.
Despite Macron's treatment of Israel, the state did not appear in a video shown to donors. Iran also did not appear in the video, apparently due to its ties to Hezbollah and its shaky relations with France.
"The future of Lebanon is in jeopardy," Macron told various donors, adding that swift action is needed to secure Lebanon's future. "Despite our differences of opinion, we all need to unite and help Lebanon and its people," Macron said in a video broadcast to donors gathered on the French Riviera.
Meanwhile, the political situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate as Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatens to resign following the huge protest that erupted yesterday in the capital, Beirut. Two ministers have already announced their resignations from the government, including Communications Minister Manel Abdel-Al-Samad. And Environment Minister Naama Ephram.
Yesterday, 490 demonstrators were injured in huge stormy demonstrations in the center of the capital, Beirut, during which the demonstrators stormed government buildings and hung a cardboard clipping gallows from Hassan Nasrallah, secretary general of the Hezbollah movement.
