Protests continue in Lebanon despite the resignation of the government following the massive Beirut explosion. The protesters now demand a complete change to a system of power that has long gone unchallenged.
UN food agency “very, very concerned” that Lebanon could run out of bread in less than three weeks as 85 percent of the country’s grain comes through Beirut’s devastated port
Documents show Lebanese security officials warned the prime minister and president in July that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut's port posed a security risk and could destroy the capital if it exploded.
Lebanese protesters have stormed government ministries in Beirut and trashed the offices of the Association of Lebanese Banks, TV footage showed, as shots were fired in growing protests over this week's devastating explosion.
Denying accusations that it had been storing arms at the Beirut port, Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement says the army should lead such a probe because it is "trusted" by all.
Tel Aviv mayor ordered the city’s town hall building to be lit in the colours of the Lebanese flag, a move that earned him condemnation of politicians and the Israeli prime minister’s son.
The government declares two-week state of emergency in Beirut after the massive blast in the port area of the capital kills at least 135 people with some 5,000 wounded and tens still missing.
Lebanon imports 80 percent of its food supplies and the Port of Beirut was a vital lifeline for the country’s grain imports, storing 85 percent of its cereals.
Despite strict rules regulating the trade of ammonium nitrate, businesses often fail to take necessary precautions.
Whatever the immediate cause, the reason for the deadly explosion in Beirut is criminal neglect and a rotten system built and maintained by the country’s political elite.
Commonly used as a fertiliser, the compound can easily become explosive if precautions are not taken.
Lebanese Red Cross says at least 100 people have been killed and over 4,000 wounded in the massive explosion at a port in Beirut.
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