Qatar yet again has proven its humanitarian stance and readiness to help others in trying times. Immediately after the devastating explosion in Beirut’s port, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani telephoned President of Lebanon H E Michel Aoun and promised whatever support the country needs and expressed His Highness’ deep sadness and condolences for the victims of the blast wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani said that the directives of H H the Amir to extend a helping hand to the brothers came to reflect a quick Qatari response at the highest levels to support Lebanon in this difficult circumstance.
In implementation of the directives of H H the Amir to sent urgent medical aid to the country, the first aircraft of the Amiri Air Force within an air bridge departed for Rafic Hariri International Airport yesterday morning itself carrying medical aid and supplies necessary to treat those injured in the explosion. Three more aircraft transported aid, including two fully equipped field hospitals with 500 beds each and equipped with respirators and other essential medical equipment and supplies later.
Lebanon, at this juncture of unprecedented crisis, needs the unequivocal support of the international community, whether it is moral, material or financial. The blast, which claimed more than 110 innocent lives and injured thousands deepens the tragedy for the Lebanese people who have been suffering for months from crippling economic crisis.
Lebanon is a country which had to live through several adversities and tragedies are nothing new to its people. The country has been facing continuous attacks by Israel keeping the people under a war-like situation for a long time. Adding to this were political turmoil, unstable governments and a damaging economic crisis to cap all the worries. The people have been out in the streets in recent months demanding more economic reforms to ease their struggle to meet bare minimum necessities of daily life. The quick assistance from Qatar was immediately appreciated with gratitude by the Lebanese officials led by the President, and the Acting Charge d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy, Farah Berri, who expressed her country’s appreciation for the immediate support from Qatar.
As the Lebanese people are looking at the stark reality of the devastation with surprise, mere words of condolences and sympathy are not enough and will not give any relief to their sufferings. It is time for the world to follow words with solid action by extending material, financial and human resources too to the country. Qatar has set an example as always and it is now the turn of others to chip in.
