Lebanon rejects fake news on Israeli planes over port before explosion in Beirut

The Lebanese authorities have firmly denied rumors of a possible Israeli lead in the explosion in the port of Beirut, the death toll of which continues to rise.

Lebanese Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi has described speculation circulating on social media about an alleged appearance of Israeli planes in the skies of the capital shortly before the explosions as intoxicating and “fake news”.

The Lebanese Armed Forces also rejected allegations of deliberate sabotage. “These are erroneous rumors, we have to wait for the official results of the investigation,” the army said in a statement.

Israeli aid

Israel has rejected the theories that it carried out a strike against the port of Beirut. The Israeli authorities have expressed their readiness to provide assistance to the stricken city. For its part, Tsahal announced that it was time to “transcend conflicts”.

2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored without precautionary measures were at the origin of the explosions, which occurred on Tuesday 4th of August in the port of Beirut, the head of the government denounced.

According to the latest figures, at least 130 people lost their lives, and 4,000 were injured, and some 300,000 were left homeless.