Greece delivers over 180 tons of humanitarian aid to Beirut

Greece has delivered over 180 tons of humanitarian assistance to Lebanon following the August 4 Port of Beirut blast that left incalculable damage and devastation to the port region of the city.

"Following the deadly explosion that struck the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020 and its catastrophic consequences in human losses, thousands of injuries and incalculable material and environmental damage, Greece has been one of the first countries to express its active solidarity to the Lebanese people," the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.

"The Hellenic Republic responded immediately to the call for assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic, by offering selected items of humanitarian aid," the statement said, adding that "today the Greek Navy ship 'Ikaria,' on its second trip to Beirut after the explosion, is delivering further significant quantities of food, medicine, medical equipment and construction materials, totaling over 145 tons (372 pallets, total weight:145.469,74 kg)."

"The above-mentioned provisions were collected as a result of cooperation between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the private sector in Greece, in solidarity with the Lebanese people. This unprecedented mobilization proves one more time the strong bonds that tie the two countries and peoples," the statement continued.

The Greek Lebanese Cultural Union contributed significantly to the collection, storage and transport of an additional 51 pallets and 41.000 kg of material and in total, over 180 tons of humanitarian assistance were delivered today at the Port of Beirut.

On September 10, a massive fire also erupted at the port, with no clue on how it began just yet. The huge fire also destroyed humanitarian aid with the International Committee of The Red Cross (ICRC) announcing in a statement that “a part of the ICRC’s stock of food parcels stored at our supplier’s warehouse has caught fire.”

"“We will continue to support Lebanon and its people during these trying times," the ICRC added.