Israeli army artillery attack sparks groves fires in border towns
The shelling caused fires to break out in nearby groves, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the border region.
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L'Orient-Le Jour
7 hours ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanon to receive $1.5 million Kuwaiti grant for studies on construction of new silos
BEIRUT — Kuwait is providing Lebanon with a grant worth $1.5 million to finance studies on the potential construction of new grain storage silos at Beirut's Port, which was ravaged by a massive explosion five years ago, Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bisat announced on Wednesday. 'This step constitutes the first phase of starting the construction of silos in various Lebanese regions as soon as possible, thereby enhancing national food security and securing a strategic infrastructure to protect food stocks, ensure supply stability, and mitigate risks associated with global crises or local emergencies,' Bisat said following a meeting with the Kuwaiti Fund, in comments cited by the state-run National News Agency. Bisat described the grant as a reflection of the "brotherly relations" between Lebanon and Kuwait, the latter of which has become more prominent in the Lebanese scene since the establishment of Lebanon's new government. The Port's silos were damaged from the 2020 explosion in which 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a nearby hangar caught fire and detonated, causing one of the biggest non-nuclear blasts in modern history. In 2022, the silos, which stayed standing despite damage to one side, were the site of a series of fires, worsening the damage. In March of that year, Cabinet approved the demolition of the Beirut Port's silos, but months later, then-caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati sent a letter to the public works minister asking him to "preserve the south block of the silos as a memorial to the port's martyrs." Last week, Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh said he has added the silos at the Port to the general inventory of historic monuments. Costs covered for injured from the explosion? In further news on the subject, the Association of Families of Martyrs, Injured, and Victims of the Beirut Port Explosion, under the leadership of Ibrahim Hoteit, announced that Minister of Health Rassan Nasreddine has agreed to have his ministry cover all of the medical bills associated with injuries resulting from the Port explosion, NNA also reported. Hoteit, who is close to Hezbollah, has been leading a campaign against the lead investigative judge at the Court of Justice, in the probe into the explosion. His statement on Wednesday describes how the association had lobbied most members of Parliament in an attempt to put an urgent bill on the agenda that would grant blast victims the same rights as those injured in the Lebanese Army. Having failed to achieve this, Hoteit's committee "approached the minister of public health, who commendably took the initiative to cover 100 percent of the costs of operations and treatment for those injured in the explosion, even if they were insured," the statement reads. Minister of Social Affairs Haneen al-Sayyed was also contacted, Hoteit said, and agreed to expedite the process of distributing cards to people with special needs and physical disabilities. According to the association, Sayyed also allocated $40 per month to each of the victims of the Port explosion. The Ministry of Social Affairs was provided with the lists of names in the association's possession, and "additional lists are being prepared." The association's statement called on all those injured in the explosion who have not yet done so to reach out and register their names so that they can be added to the lists to benefit from these services. More than 220 people were killed in the explosion and more than 6,500 injured. The mishandling and improper storage of ammonium nitrate and the dangers it posed had been made known to the highest authorities who failed to take action and are now accused of negligence.
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
Lebanon wants to strengthen relations with Iran while preserving national sovereignty, President Aoun tells Larijani
President Joseph Aoun met with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in Beirut on Wednesday, discussing Lebanon-Iran relations and regional issues. During the meeting, Aoun emphasized Lebanon's desire to cooperate with Iran within the bounds of sovereignty and mutual respect, noting that recent statements by some Iranian officials had not been helpful. He stressed that the friendship between Lebanon and Iran should include all Lebanese, not just one sect or community, and reaffirmed that Lebanon is the homeland of all its citizens—Christian or Muslim. Aoun added that the Lebanese state, through its constitutional and security institutions, is responsible for protecting all communities. He rejected any foreign interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, calling for a secure and stable environment for all Lebanese without discrimination. 'Lebanon, which respects the sovereignty of other nations, including Iran, will not accept interference in its internal affairs,' he said. He warned against attempts to exploit foreign support against fellow Lebanese, stressing that no group should carry arms or seek outside backing to challenge others. President Aoun also highlighted that any threats from Israel or elsewhere are challenges for all Lebanese, with national unity as the key to facing them. Larijani conveyed greetings from Iran's president and reiterated an invitation for Aoun to visit Tehran, expressing Iran's willingness to assist Lebanon in reconstruction efforts. Larijani said Iran seeks to strengthen relations with the Lebanese state and people on all levels, praising Aoun's role in reinforcing national unity and bridging divisions across all sects and communities. He emphasized that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, and his statements in Beirut reflect the official stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added that Iran wishes to maintain strong relations with Lebanon and is ready to assist if requested by the Lebanese government.
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
Ali Larijani visits Beirut, meets President Aoun
President Joseph Aoun received Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday. Larijani was accompanied by a delegation of Iranian officials, advisors, and the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon.
