World leaders stand with Lebanon

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron is travelling to Lebanon on Thursday to offer support for the troubled countr y af ter a massive, deadly explosion that has drawn global pledges of medical and humanitarian aid. "Emergency doctors will also reach Beirut as soon as possible to strengthen hospitals. France is already engaged," the French President said in a tweet.

US Secretar y of State Mike Pompeo, also extended his deepest condolences to all those affected by the "massive explosion at the port of Beirut." "We are closely monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this tragedy. Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a city and a people that I hold dear, an additional challenge in a time of already deep crisis. We understand that the Government of Lebanon continues to investigate its cause and look forward to the outcome of those efforts," he said in a statement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his countr y is ready to provide support in any way it can."The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking. All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident. The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected," Johnson said. Israeli people share the pain of their Lebanese neighbours af ter a devastating blast in the port of Beirut and reach out to offer their aid, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, The United Nations said it is "actively assisting" in the response to the horrific explosions that ripped through the port area of Beirut, as Secretar y General Antonio Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Lebanese people.