World offers support, condolences to Lebanon after devastating blasts

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab urged friendly countries to help Lebanon overcome the repercussions of the disastrous explosions.

UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his deepest condolences following the "horrific explosions in Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. "stands ready to assist Lebanon" and that he had met with some U.S. generals who feel the blast was not "some kind of a manufacturing explosion type of event."

President Vladimir Putin said that“Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement. 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was"ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say "we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We're ready to help you.” 

In the region, Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response. 

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon."

Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid. Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions."