Wednesday, August 5, 2020 MADRID. Two enormous explosions rocked the Lebanese capital’s port on Tuesday. The blast killed at least 135 people and injured more than 4,000 others.

The Europe Peace Foundation is saddened at the loss of life following the horrific explosions in Lebanon and reaffirm its position against violence and arms race. The EPF repudiates this savage act against humanity which warns us of the seriousness of the conflict in a region that the world cannot continue to ignore.

The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon. With Covid-19 infections on the rise, hospitals were already struggling to cope. Now, they are faced with treating thousands of injured people.

The country is also going through the worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, and tensions were already high with street demonstrations against the government. People have to deal with daily power cuts, a lack of safe drinking water and limited public healthcare.

Lebanon imports most of its food and large quantities of grain stored in the port have been destroyed causing fears of widespread food insecurity to come. The future of the port itself is in doubt due to the destruction caused.

We extend our deepest condolences to all who lost loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy and wish those injured a speedy recovery.

The EPF urges all parties involved in this conflict to observe and respect international law to use the means of dialogue, negotiation and diplomatic agreements to resolve a conflict that has claimed too many innocent lives and irreversible losses.

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