Hezbollah Calls for National Unity Following Deadly Blast


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Lebanese Resistance Movement Hezbollah called on all political factions to remain united in the face of a deadly explosion in Beirut which claimed the lives of over 70 people.

All of the country's political powers must overcome the "painful catastrophe" and unite, Hezbollah said in a statement.

Hezbollah offered “deepest condolences over the national tragedy which took place in Lebanon in these hard times.”

“This painful catastrophe, along with its unprecedented repercussions and damage, requires a national stand by all Lebanese people and powers in a bid to overcome this ordeal,” it said, Al Manar reported.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, hailed all medical and rescue teams over their efforts to help all those who were harmed by the blasts. In this context, the Lebanese Resistance party voiced readiness to offer all kinds of help for Lebanese citizens in this regard.

“We put all our capabilities to serve our honored people and dear citizens whenever necessary.”

Also on Tuesday, Hezbollah announced that the movement’s secretary general Seyed Hassan Nasrallah’s scheduled speech will be postponed until further notice.

Lebanese authorities said at least 78 people have been killed and some 4,000 wounded in a massive explosion at the port in the capital, Beirut.

The explosion on Tuesday sent shockwaves across the city, causing widespread damage even on the outskirts of the capital.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. Officials linked the explosion to some 2,700 tons of confiscated ammonium nitrate that were being stored in a warehouse at the port for six years.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun assembled the country's High Defense Council following the explosion.

Aoun said that it was "unacceptable" that 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored in a warehouse for six years without safety measures, according to statements published on the presidency's Twitter account.

He also pledged that those responsible would face the "harshest punishments" and said a two-week state of emergency should be declared.