This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
Beirut, Lebanon - August 7, 2020
Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has rejected calls for an international investigation into the devastating Beirut port explosion, suggesting it could have been caused by negligence or a missile or bomb.
The explosion, which occurred on August 4, 2020, killed at least 154 people and left thousands homeless, with widespread destruction in the capital city.
President Aoun made the comments during a press conference on August 7, 2020, where he also pledged 'swift justice' for those responsible.
However, he rejected the idea of an international probe, saying it would 'dilute the truth'.
Rescue teams from around the world, including France, Russia, Germany, and Italy, are working to search for survivors in the rubble of the port.
So far, no one has been found alive, and the search efforts are ongoing.
International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for those responsible to be held accountable, with the World Health Organization estimating that $15 million is needed to cover immediate humanitarian health needs.
