Israeli offers medical aid to Lebanon after massive explosionAugust 5, 2020 - 18:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In a rare humanitarian gesture toward Lebanon, Israel has offered medical aid after a massive explosion tore through the capital of Beirut on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and killing scores of people, Al Monitor reports. “Israel approached Lebanon through international defense and diplomatic channels to offer the Lebanese government medical humanitarian aid,” read a statement from Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the mediators who reached out to Lebanon on behalf of Israel were France and the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. “We share the pain of the Lebanese people and sincerely reach out to offer our aid at this difficult time,” Israeli President Reuven Rivlin tweeted. Lebanon is surveying the damage to its capital after the massive explosions ripped through the city’s port and surrounding areas on August 4, killing at least 100 people and injuring 4,000 with many still feared to be trapped under rubble. Among casualties, there are Armenians too. Photo. AP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |