Lebanon

An anti-government protester woman throws a stone towards riot police during a protest near Parliament Square, in Beirut, September 2020

Now playing Next

In Lebanon, it is difficult to know what rock bottom is

TOP TAGS

RUSSIA YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN WAGNER UKRAINE WAR VLADIMIR PUTIN FRANCE

statement on Twitter<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is a reminder that our peacekeepers serve in dangerous circumstances, at all times, in the cause of peace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>UNIFIL, which has been stationed in Lebanon since Israel's 1978 invasion, is made up of nearly 10,000 soldiers from different contingents.<\/p>\n<p>Clashes have previously occurred between UNIFIL patrols and pro-Iranian Hezbollah supporters, who regard the peackeepers' presence in the country as a \"violation of Lebanese sovereignty\".<\/p>\n<p>In January, Irish UNIFIL peacekeepers were attacked by assailants in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, with their vehicles vandalised and items stolen.<\/p>\n<p>Local residents had accused the troops of taking photographs of residential homes, though the UN denied this.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati said on Friday that investigations into the killing were ongoing, adding that those responsible \"will be punished\".<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1671095300,"publishedAt":1671097218,"updatedAt":1671187780,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/12\/15\/irish-un-peacekeeping-soldier-killed-in-serious-incident-in-lebanon","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/25\/12\/80\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a9076197-e5fa-5df1-b4ee-f12100a6c1f8-7251280.jpg","altText":"Lebanese soldiers stand behind a damaged UN peacekeeper vehicle at the scene.","caption":"Lebanese soldiers stand behind a damaged UN peacekeeper vehicle at the scene.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Mohammed Zaatari","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1453,"height":937},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/25\/12\/80\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_aa09a04c-1a4a-5939-b158-c9f6dda8f4a7-7251280.jpg","altText":"UNIFIL peacekeeping soldiers have been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978.","caption":"UNIFIL peacekeeping soldiers have been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"MAHMOUD ZAYYAT \/ AFP, FILE","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":682}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":292,"slug":"united-nations","urlSafeValue":"united-nations","title":"United Nations","titleRaw":"United Nations"},{"id":14576,"slug":"peacekeeper","urlSafeValue":"peacekeeper","title":"peacekeeper","titleRaw":"peacekeeper"},{"id":12061,"slug":"peace-process","urlSafeValue":"peace-process","title":"Peace process","titleRaw":"Peace process"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":156,"slug":"ireland","urlSafeValue":"ireland","title":"Ireland","titleRaw":"Ireland"},{"id":21560,"slug":"south-lebanon","urlSafeValue":"south-lebanon","title":"south lebanon","titleRaw":"south lebanon"}],"related":[{"id":1259790},{"id":1939542}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP, AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"},{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/12\/15\/irish-un-peacekeeping-soldier-killed-in-serious-incident-in-lebanon","lastModified":1671187780},{"id":2111396,"cid":7163630,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"221030_NWSU_48879170","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lebanon's President Aoun leaves office after disastrous term bringing economic meltdown","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Lebanese President Aoun leaves office and legacy of economic meltdown","titleListing2":"Lebanese President Aoun leaves office after disastrous term bringing economic meltdown #Lebanon","leadin":"Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun has left the palace and acknowledged the huge amount of work the failed state needs to restore its economy.","summary":"Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun has left the palace and acknowledged the huge amount of work the failed state needs to restore its economy.","keySentence":null,"url":"lebanons-president-aoun-leaves-office-after-disastrous-term-bringing-economic-meltdown","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun vacated the palace of Baabda on Sunday, leaving a void at the top of the failing country. \n\nThe 89-year-old Christian presided over the state's financial meltdown and the deadly Beirut port explosion that killed over 200 people in 2020. \n\nLeaving office with no one in line to replace him also leaves Lebanon facing a constitutional crisis. \n\nBut despite the troubled legacy thousands of supporters turned out to wave him off after hearing him acknowledge the struggle ahead. \n\n\"The situation requires a huge effort,\" Aoun told the crowd. \"You know how much Lebanon and you yourselves have lost. Without this effort, we cannot put an end to our suffering. We cannot salvage Lebanon out of this deep pit.\" \n\nFour sessions in Lebanon's fractured parliament have failed to reach a consensus to replace Aoun and the cabinet is now operating in a caretaker capacity.\u00a0 \n\nOne bright spot in his legacy is that In his final week as president he signed a US-brokered deal delineating Lebanon\u2019s southern maritime border with Israel \u2013 a modest diplomatic breakthrough that would allow both countries to extract natural gas from maritime deposits. \n\nAoun said the deal paved the way for gas discoveries that could be Lebanon\u2019s \u201clast chance\u201d at recovering from a three-year financial meltdown that has cost the currency 95% of its value and pushed 80% of the population into poverty. \n\nLebanon has otherwise made slow progress on a checklist of reforms required to gain access to $3 billion in financing from the International Monetary Fund.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun vacated the palace of Baabda on Sunday, leaving a void at the top of the failing country.<\/p>\n<p>The 89-year-old Christian presided over the state's financial meltdown and the deadly Beirut port explosion that killed over 200 people in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Leaving office with no one in line to replace him also leaves Lebanon facing a constitutional crisis.<\/p>\n<p>But despite the troubled legacy thousands of supporters turned out to wave him off after hearing him acknowledge the struggle ahead.<\/p>\n<p>\"The situation requires a huge effort,\" Aoun told the crowd. \"You know how much Lebanon and you yourselves have lost. Without this effort, we cannot put an end to our suffering. We cannot salvage Lebanon out of this deep pit.\"<\/p>\n<p>Four sessions in Lebanon's fractured parliament have failed to reach a consensus to replace Aoun and the cabinet is now operating in a caretaker capacity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>One bright spot in his legacy is that In his final week as president he signed a US-brokered deal delineating Lebanon\u2019s southern maritime border with Israel \u2013 a modest diplomatic breakthrough that would allow both countries to extract natural gas from maritime deposits.<\/p>\n<p>Aoun said the deal paved the way for gas discoveries that could be Lebanon\u2019s \u201clast chance\u201d at recovering from a three-year financial meltdown that has cost the currency 95% of its value and pushed 80% of the population into poverty.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon has otherwise made slow progress on a checklist of reforms required to gain access to $3 billion in financing from the International Monetary Fund.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1667131032,"publishedAt":1667151790,"updatedAt":1667151793,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/10\/30\/lebanons-president-aoun-leaves-office-after-disastrous-term-bringing-economic-meltdown","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/16\/36\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_277b16d4-bf68-545e-9966-f602584dd157-7163630.jpg","altText":"A supporter of Lebanese President Michel Aoun holds his portrait as he delivers a speech outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022.","caption":"A supporter of Lebanese President Michel Aoun holds his portrait as he delivers a speech outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Bilal Hussein","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/16\/36\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1740383a-f1d2-59af-878e-2b528c63ba71-7163630.jpg","altText":"Michel Aoun leaving the presidential palace","caption":"Michel Aoun leaving the presidential palace","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":960,"height":540},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/16\/36\/38\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_7367ed16-660a-5fb9-8177-3e7ab39eca4d-7163638.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Dalati Nohra\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":660}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"armstrong","title":"Mark Armstrong","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12719,"slug":"michel-aoun","urlSafeValue":"michel-aoun","title":"Michel Aoun","titleRaw":"Michel Aoun"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":9417,"slug":"political-crisis","urlSafeValue":"political-crisis","title":"Political crisis","titleRaw":"Political crisis"},{"id":10463,"slug":"government-resigns","urlSafeValue":"government-resigns","title":"Government resigns","titleRaw":"Government resigns"},{"id":9415,"slug":"economic-crisis","urlSafeValue":"economic-crisis","title":"Economic crisis","titleRaw":"Economic crisis"}],"related":[{"id":2230182},{"id":2231996},{"id":2233464}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/10\/30\/en\/221030_NWSU_48879170_48879886_61840_162041_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"61840","filesizeBytes":7939928,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/10\/30\/en\/221030_NWSU_48879170_48879886_61840_162041_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"61840","filesizeBytes":12171096,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8f23qo","youtubeId":"PL4mSr-jkX0"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/10\/30\/lebanons-president-aoun-leaves-office-after-disastrous-term-bringing-economic-meltdown","lastModified":1667151793},{"id":2070334,"cid":7037874,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220923_TCSU_48359273","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_travel','gs_food','gt_mixed','gs_entertain','neg_facebook_2021','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_facebook_q4','eap-gs-homerfaber-fs-30july19','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gs_food_misc','neg_nespresso','gs_travel_holidays','gs_society_religion','gs_entertain_music','gv_military'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Beirut: Discover modern souks and pumping nightlife in the Mediterranean\u2019s most underrated city","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"This Mediterranean city is the Paris of the Middle East","titleListing2":"Beirut: Discover modern souks and pumping nightlife in the Mediterranean\u2019s most underrated city","leadin":"From mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut.","summary":"From mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut.","keySentence":null,"url":"beirut-discover-modern-souks-and-pumping-nightlife-in-the-mediterraneans-most-underrated-c","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"For most Europeans, the Mediterranean evokes the sun-soaked coastlines of Italy, France, Greece and Spain. But does this neglect one of its best destinations? \n\nThough Lebanon\u2019s capital, Beirut, has long suffered instability, it was once hailed as the Paris of the Middle East . Resilient in the face of conflict and disaster, the city maintains a raw energy powered by its fusion of modern and old. \n\nHere's where to explore modern shopping districts and buzzing nightlife in this underrated city. \n\nModern malls and high-end residences rise among Beirut\u2019s war remnants \n\nWhen you head downtown to Beirut Souks, don\u2019t expect the jumble and chaos of Marrakech . \n\nPartially designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo, this al fresco shopping district opened in 2009. It replaces the souk that was destroyed in the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 until 1990 with Beirut at the heart of the conflict. \n\nContemporary design meets traditional architecture in the souks, injecting modernity into the historic district while nodding to its past. \n\nAs you peruse the rows of high-end international brands, you\u2019ll see why Beirut has developed a reputation as a regional fashion hub. \n\nClose by, in Beirut\u2019s Central District, is the upscale neighbourhood of Saifi Village. It is abuzz with boutiques, bars, galleries and farmers markets that take over French-colonial style buildings. \n\nThese were reconstructed after the civil war, during which Saifi Village sat along the \u2018Green Line\u2019, the no-man\u2019s land that divided the city. Today, the sniper\u2019s nests have been renovated into homes with warm-coloured facades. \n\nRemnants of the civil war remain throughout the city - not in museums but in plain sight. A visit to the ruins of Beirut\u2019s Holiday Inn, which was at the heart of the \u2018Battle of the Hotels\u2019, is a chilling reminder of how recent, and personal, this conflict is to the locals. \n\nTo learn about the city\u2019s more distant history , head to the behemoth National Museum of Beirut. It is packed with Lebanese artefacts dating from prehistoric times all the way through the different eras and 15 empires that the city lived under. \n\nFrom mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut \n\nReligion plays an important role in Beirut\u2019s identity, and there are countless beautiful churches and mosques to visit. Not to be missed, the blue-domed, Ottoman-style Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is flanked by 65-metre-high minarets and is architecturally stunning. \n\nRight next door is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George, the oldest active church in Beirut. The cathedral\u2019s interior is where it really comes alive, with colourful frescoes and gold accents encased in a classical orthodox exterior - also restored after the civil war . Deep below in the crypt, you\u2019ll find a wealth of architectural finds. \n\nJust 10 minutes\u2019 walk from the cathedral, you can wander the bohemian Gemmayzeh neighbourhood, a buzzing world of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. \n\nIt\u2019s a great place to try the local beer , and wind down with friendly locals among the narrow streets and old French-era buildings. \n\nOnly a stone\u2019s throw away is the L'Escalier de L'Art, a 500-metre uphill staircase that connects Rue Gouraud and Rue Sursock. As the name suggests, the staircase has held a number of art exhibitions since 1973. \n\nBeirut has a vibrant music and party scene \n\nIt might surprise you that Beirut also has a vibrant music scene. Take a trip outside the city to discover some truly unique venues. \n\nDrive 42km past beach resorts and high-rises into the green of the Chouf Mountains, where you\u2019ll find the Beiteddine Palace set among orchards and terraced gardens . With its stunning blend of Italian and Arab baroque, it\u2019s easy to see why the Ottoman Governor, Emir Bashir Chehab II, made this his residence. \n\nCompleted in 1818, it has continued to play a vital role in Lebanon\u2019s political history over the years - but today, it hosts the famed Beiteddine Festival. The event traditionally attracts international talents from the opera and classical world, but has also welcomed artists like Elton John, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, UB40 and others. \n\nDon\u2019t feel like driving? Beirut\u2019s nightlife won\u2019t disappoint. Dance music is popular in the city, and things really kick off in the summer with international DJs making their rounds. \n\nVenues like SKYBAR, The Ballroom Blitz, and practically any of the clubbing institutions within the BIEL Waterfront have earned Beirut status as a party hub. It even ranked third in CNN\u2019s 2019 list of the world\u2019s best party cities. \n\nWhere to get Beirut\u2019s best falafel \n\nAny local will tell you that one of the best things about being Lebanese is the food . The country\u2019s coastal climate lends itself to fresh, fragrant and colourful dishes, with centuries of history embodied in each one. \n\nMust-tries include sfiha (flatbread cooked with a minced meat topping), tabbouleh (Levantine chopped parsley salad), manakish (dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat), kibbeh (Levantine croquettes) and knafeh (spun pastry dessert), to name only a few. \n\nAs for where to sample Beirut\u2019s best food, local recommendations include Barbar in Hamra for sandwiches and M Sahyoun on Damascus Road for falafel. If you think you\u2019re seeing double on arrival, don\u2019t go and get your eyes checked just yet. \n\nTwo Falafel Sahyouns stand side by side - owned by two brothers who are engaged in a bitter, long-standing feud. Even though the menus are practically the same, these two restaurants have legendary status within Beirut, with incredible falafel that have the locals divided. \n\nBy now, you\u2019ve seen how much Beirut has to offer. This is a city with history, culture, religion and modern appeal. \n\nBut it\u2019s the city\u2019s energy that really stands out. The people are friendly. The pace is fast. There\u2019s always something to do. However you choose to spend your time here, your senses will surely be stimulated.","htmlText":"<p>For most Europeans, the Mediterranean evokes the sun-soaked coastlines of Italy, France, Greece and Spain. But does this neglect one of its best destinations?<\/p>\n<p>Though Lebanon\u2019s capital, Beirut, has long suffered instability, it was once hailed as the Paris of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//03//23//jordan-everything-you-need-to-plan-a-trip-to-this-middle-eastern-gem/">Middle East<\/strong><\/a>. Resilient in the face of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//06//14//beirut-explosion-2020-meet-the-locals-rebuilding-their-businesses-from-scratch/">conflict and disaster, the city maintains a raw energy powered by its fusion of modern and old.<\/p>\n<p>Here's where to explore modern shopping districts and buzzing nightlife in this underrated city.<\/p>\n<h2>Modern malls and high-end residences rise among Beirut\u2019s war remnants<\/h2><p>When you head downtown to Beirut Souks, don\u2019t expect the jumble and chaos of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//02//22//morocco-reopens-to-tourists-everything-you-need-to-know-to-plan-a-last-minute-trip/">Marrakech./n
Partially designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo, this al fresco shopping district opened in 2009. It replaces the souk that was destroyed in the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 until 1990 with Beirut at the heart of the conflict.<\/p>\n<p>Contemporary design meets traditional architecture in the souks, injecting modernity into the historic district while nodding to its past.<\/p>\n<p>As you peruse the rows of high-end international brands, you\u2019ll see why Beirut has developed a reputation as a regional fashion hub.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"A.K.Khalifeh\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Souk Tawileh in Beirut Souks<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">A.K.Khalifeh<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Close by, in Beirut\u2019s Central District, is the upscale neighbourhood of Saifi Village. It is abuzz with boutiques, bars, galleries and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//05//05//belgium-gains-territory-after-farmer-moves-french-border/">farmers markets that take over French-colonial style buildings.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Lebnen18\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Street in Saifi Village<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Lebnen18<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>These were reconstructed after the civil war, during which Saifi Village sat along the \u2018Green Line\u2019, the no-man\u2019s land that divided the city. Today, the sniper\u2019s nests have been renovated into homes with warm-coloured facades.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6792962,6778906\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//22//we-yearn-for-people-to-return-syrian-desert-monastery-reopens-after-a-decade-of-war/">'We yearn for people to return:' Syrian desert monastery reopens after a decade of war<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//22//lebanon-is-making-a-comeback-with-a-fresh-wave-of-tourism-this-summer/">Lebanon is making a comeback with a fresh wave of tourism this summer<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Remnants of the civil war remain throughout the city - not in <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//10//04//lights-camera-action-hollywood-s-first-ever-film-museum-opens-its-doors/">museums but in plain sight. A visit to the ruins of Beirut\u2019s Holiday Inn, which was at the heart of the \u2018Battle of the Hotels\u2019, is a chilling reminder of how recent, and personal, this conflict is to the locals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Catfish Ramblant\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The former Holiday Inn in Beirut.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Catfish Ramblant<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To learn about the city\u2019s more distant <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//11//23//explore-the-uk-s-historic-past-in-one-of-these-extraordinary-holiday-rentals/">history, head to the behemoth National Museum of Beirut. It is packed with Lebanese artefacts dating from prehistoric times all the way through the different eras and 15 empires that the city lived under.<\/p>\n<h2>From mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut<\/h2><p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2016//10//03//macedonian-adventures-vodocha-monastery-attracts-pilgrims-and-history-lovers/">Religion plays an important role in Beirut\u2019s identity, and there are countless beautiful churches and mosques to visit. Not to be missed, the blue-domed, Ottoman-style Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is flanked by 65-metre-high minarets and is architecturally stunning.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"2765398,5998634\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//08//22//what-is-kvirikoba-rural-georgia-s-ancient-festival-of-folklore-and-boulder-tossing/">What is Kvirikoba? Rural Georgia\u2019s ancient festival of folklore and boulder tossing<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2016//11//07//postcards-from-uzbekistan-the-bibi-khanym-mosque/">Postcards from Uzbekistan: the Bibi-Khanym mosque<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Right next door is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George, the oldest active church in Beirut. The cathedral\u2019s interior is where it really comes alive, with colourful frescoes and gold accents encased in a classical orthodox exterior - also restored after the civil <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//08//17//women-inspire-trust-what-it-s-like-to-be-a-reporter-in-warzones/">war. Deep below in the crypt, you\u2019ll find a wealth of architectural finds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Serg.el.khou\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and St. George\u2019s Cathedral<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Serg.el.khou<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Just 10 minutes\u2019 walk from the cathedral, you can wander the bohemian Gemmayzeh neighbourhood, a buzzing world of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a great place to try the local <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//04//11//france-s-first-beer-spa-meet-the-couple-behind-this-unusual-self-care-experience/">beer, and wind down with friendly locals among the narrow streets and old French-era buildings.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Diak / Shutterstock.com\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Gemmayzeh neighbourhood<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Diak / Shutterstock.com<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Only a stone\u2019s throw away is the L'Escalier de L'Art, a 500-metre uphill staircase that connects Rue Gouraud and Rue Sursock. As the name suggests, the staircase has held a number of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//03//30//dubai-s-thriving-art-scene-attracts-top-talent/">art exhibitions<\/strong><\/a> since 1973.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Blancart\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Escalier Saint-Nicolas de Beyrouth<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Blancart<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Beirut has a vibrant music and party scene<\/h2><p>It might surprise you that Beirut also has a vibrant <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2019//03//18//a-tour-of-one-of-america-s-most-eclectic-music-shops/">music scene. Take a trip outside the city to discover some truly unique venues.<\/p>\n<p>Drive 42km past beach resorts and high-rises into the green of the Chouf Mountains, where you\u2019ll find the Beiteddine Palace set among orchards and terraced <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//09//05//holidaymakers-turned-to-gamping-this-summer-to-beat-down-costs/">gardens. With its stunning blend of Italian and Arab baroque, it\u2019s easy to see why the Ottoman Governor, Emir Bashir Chehab II, made this his residence.<\/p>\n<p>Completed in 1818, it has continued to play a vital role in Lebanon\u2019s political history over the years - but today, it hosts the famed Beiteddine Festival. The event traditionally attracts international talents from the opera and classical world, but has also welcomed artists like Elton John, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, UB40 and others.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"Peripitus\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Courtyard at the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Peripitus<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t feel like driving? Beirut\u2019s nightlife won\u2019t disappoint. Dance music is popular in the city, and things really kick off in the summer with international DJs making their rounds.<\/p>\n<p>Venues like SKYBAR, The Ballroom Blitz, and practically any of the clubbing institutions within the BIEL Waterfront have earned Beirut status as a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//06//12//11-of-the-world-s-best-party-cities-for-a-fun-packed-weekend-with-friends/">party hub. It even ranked third in CNN\u2019s 2019 list of the world\u2019s best party cities.<\/p>\n<h2>Where to get Beirut\u2019s best falafel<\/h2><p>Any local will tell you that one of the best things about being Lebanese is the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//29//inside-dubais-booming-food-scene/">food. The country\u2019s coastal climate lends itself to fresh, fragrant and colourful dishes, with centuries of history embodied in each one.<\/p>\n<p>Must-tries include sfiha (flatbread cooked with a minced meat topping), tabbouleh (Levantine chopped parsley salad), manakish (dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat), kibbeh (Levantine croquettes) and knafeh (spun pastry dessert), to name only a few.<\/p>\n<p>As for where to sample Beirut\u2019s best food, local recommendations include Barbar in Hamra for sandwiches and M Sahyoun on Damascus Road for falafel. If you think you\u2019re seeing double on arrival, don\u2019t go and get your eyes checked just yet.<\/p>\n<p>Two Falafel Sahyouns stand side by side - owned by two brothers who are engaged in a bitter, long-standing feud. Even though the menus are practically the same, these two restaurants have legendary status within Beirut, with incredible falafel that have the locals divided.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//07//03//78//74//808x454_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg/" alt=\"M Canzi\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/384x216_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/640x360_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/750x422_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/828x466_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1080x608_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1200x675_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/1920x1080_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Falafal Sahyoun<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">M Canzi<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>By now, you\u2019ve seen how much Beirut has to offer. This is a city with history, culture, religion and modern appeal.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s the city\u2019s energy that really stands out. The people are friendly. The pace is fast. There\u2019s always something to do. However you choose to spend your time here, your senses will surely be stimulated.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1663944524,"publishedAt":1664082005,"updatedAt":1664187138,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2022\/09\/25\/beirut-discover-modern-souks-and-pumping-nightlife-in-the-mediterraneans-most-underrated-c","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_31e075c9-00c3-595c-a40a-fbbc0af8d492-7037874.jpg","altText":"Beirut has a thriving cultural, shopping and party scene.","caption":"Beirut has a thriving cultural, shopping and party scene.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9258b92b-8349-524e-95bd-5744ecedc078-7037874.jpg","altText":"Street in Saifi Village","caption":"Street in Saifi Village","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Lebnen18","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_59bcac3a-988a-543b-a223-e6184e689f32-7037874.jpg","altText":"Falafal Sahyoun","caption":"Falafal Sahyoun","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"M Canzi","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_44ce78f4-c79f-50db-86fb-0476fbccb324-7037874.jpg","altText":"Courtyard at the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon.","caption":"Courtyard at the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Peripitus","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c8d48be5-d552-59c3-bb3f-4810dac874db-7037874.jpg","altText":"Escalier Saint-Nicolas de Beyrouth","caption":"Escalier Saint-Nicolas de Beyrouth","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Blancart","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fc57175a-df9e-53e6-818a-4fbe75a66ca7-7037874.jpg","altText":"The Gemmayzeh neighbourhood","caption":"The Gemmayzeh neighbourhood","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Diak \/ Shutterstock.com","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1dea16bd-03a6-56b5-b476-0e2e25ced7fc-7037874.jpg","altText":"Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and St. George\u2019s Cathedral","caption":"Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and St. George\u2019s Cathedral","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Serg.el.khou","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8d9e0a3a-7767-57c9-af01-46046067a533-7037874.jpg","altText":"The former Holiday Inn in Beirut.","caption":"The former Holiday Inn in Beirut.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Catfish Ramblant","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/78\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_af7b6a24-4cb3-5405-b616-09d4eec9055d-7037874.jpg","altText":"Souk Tawileh in Beirut Souks","caption":"Souk Tawileh in Beirut Souks","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"A.K.Khalifeh","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11950,"slug":"middle-east","urlSafeValue":"middle-east","title":"Middle East","titleRaw":"Middle East"},{"id":27356,"slug":"city","urlSafeValue":"city","title":"city","titleRaw":"city"},{"id":13414,"slug":"mediterranean-sea","urlSafeValue":"mediterranean-sea","title":"Mediterranean Sea","titleRaw":"Mediterranean Sea"},{"id":20468,"slug":"luxury-shopping","urlSafeValue":"luxury-shopping","title":"Luxury shopping","titleRaw":"Luxury shopping"},{"id":25946,"slug":"market","urlSafeValue":"market","title":"Market","titleRaw":"Market"},{"id":378,"slug":"religion","urlSafeValue":"religion","title":"Religion","titleRaw":"Religion"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":8},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Ziryan Aziz","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2022\/09\/25\/beirut-discover-modern-souks-and-pumping-nightlife-in-the-mediterraneans-most-underrated-c","lastModified":1664187138},{"id":2070832,"cid":7038788,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220924_NWWB_48365787","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gv_death_injury','neg_intel_en','gt_negative','neg_nespresso','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','neg_citi_campaign','neg_facebook_2021','neg_facebook','gt_negative_sadness','neg_facebook_q4','neg_umw_fs_12oct202','gt_negative_fear','gs_society_misc','gs_society'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Sirens and sorrow: victims of migrant boat tragedy returned to Lebanon","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Sirens and sorrow: victims of migrant boat tragedy returned to Lebanon","titleListing2":"?? Sirens and sorrow: victims of migrant boat tragedy returned to Lebanon","leadin":"Families of the victims say conditions in the region are forcing people to make the perilous crossings from Lebanon towards Europe.","summary":"Families of the victims say conditions in the region are forcing people to make the perilous crossings from Lebanon towards Europe.","keySentence":null,"url":"sirens-and-sorrow-victims-of-migrant-boat-tragedy-returned-to-lebanon","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Bodies of some of the victims who died when a boat carrying migrants sank off the Syrian coast this week were returned to Lebanon in ambulances on Friday to the sound of sirens, sorrow and hails of gunfire. \n\nAt least 77 people were killed when the boat carrying migrants from Lebanon capsized, the country\u2019s health minister said, amid fears the death toll could be far higher. \n\nAmong the dead were Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese attempting to flee crisis-hit Lebanon, to reach Cyprus\u00a0by sea for a better future in Europe. \n\nAround twenty migrants who managed to survive the shipwreck are now being cared for in Syria. \n\nDesperate to flee \n\nDespite the agony felt by families of the victims, some people in Lebanon say they would still be willing to make such perilous journies to escape the conditions in the region. \n\n\"They reached a point where they wanted to die at sea\", said Salim Khalaf, whose brother and cousin are still missing. \"If the boat came here now I would go. I would go.\" \n\nTens of thousands have lost their jobs while the Lebanese pound has dropped more than 90% in value, eradicating the purchasing power of thousands of families that now live in extreme poverty.","htmlText":"<p>Bodies of some of the victims who died when a boat carrying migrants sank off the Syrian coast this week were returned to Lebanon in ambulances on Friday to the sound of sirens, sorrow and hails of gunfire.<\/p>\n<p>At least 77 people were killed when the boat carrying migrants from Lebanon capsized, the country\u2019s health minister said, amid fears the death toll could be far higher.<\/p>\n<p>Among the dead were Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese attempting to flee crisis-hit Lebanon, to reach Cyprus\u00a0by sea for a better future in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Around twenty migrants who managed to survive the shipwreck are now being cared for in Syria.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"7027922,7013560,7021596\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//09//19//hundreds-of-migrants-rescued-from-smugglers-boats-in-mediterranean/">Hundreds of migrants rescued from smugglers' boats in Mediterranean<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//09//13//six-migrants-including-three-children-die-from-thirst-hunger-and-burns-trying-to-reach-eur/">Six migrants, including three children, die from 'thirst, hunger and burns' trying to reach Europe<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//09//16//lebanon-hit-by-string-of-bank-robberies-as-citizens-try-to-claim-own-savings/">Lebanon hit by string of bank robberies as citizens try to claim own savings<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Desperate to flee<\/h2><p>Despite the agony felt by families of the victims, some people in Lebanon say they would still be willing to make such perilous journies to escape the conditions in the region.<\/p>\n<p>\"They reached a point where they wanted to die at sea\", said Salim Khalaf, whose brother and cousin are still missing. \"If the boat came here now I would go. I would go.\"<\/p>\n<p>Tens of thousands have lost their jobs while the Lebanese pound has dropped more than 90% in value, eradicating the purchasing power of thousands of families that now live in extreme poverty.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1664009008,"publishedAt":1664017391,"updatedAt":1664017394,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/09\/24\/sirens-and-sorrow-victims-of-migrant-boat-tragedy-returned-to-lebanon","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/03\/87\/88\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_69ea4ec2-a7df-5157-8707-9f396f1dabfc-7038788.jpg","altText":"Red Cross ambulances carrying bodies of those died on a boat carrying migrants from Lebanon that sank in Syrian waters","caption":"Red Cross ambulances carrying bodies of those died on a boat carrying migrants from Lebanon that sank in Syrian waters","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Bilal Hussein\/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12102,"slug":"migrant-crisis","urlSafeValue":"migrant-crisis","title":"Migrant Crisis","titleRaw":"Migrant Crisis"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":8155,"slug":"syria","urlSafeValue":"syria","title":"Syria","titleRaw":"Syria"}],"related":[{"id":2063990},{"id":2085214}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/09\/24\/en\/220924_NWSU_48363336_48363420_69960_102743_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"20000","filesizeBytes":0,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/09\/24\/en\/220924_NWSU_48363336_48363420_69960_102743_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"20000","filesizeBytes":0,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8dxw4v","youtubeId":"19x77nNigJY"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/09\/24\/sirens-and-sorrow-victims-of-migrant-boat-tragedy-returned-to-lebanon","lastModified":1664017394},{"id":2063990,"cid":7021596,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220916_NWSU_48259122","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'castrol_negative_it','gt_mixed','gv_crime','gs_economy_misc','gt_negative_fear','gs_entertain','gs_economy'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lebanon hit by string of bank robberies as citizens try to claim own savings","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Series of bank robberies hit Lebanon as people try to get own savings","titleListing2":"Lebanon hit by string of bank robberies as citizens try to claim own savings","leadin":"As Lebanon\u2019s financial crisis continues to deteriorate, some depositors have attempted to take back their savings by force.","summary":"As Lebanon\u2019s financial crisis continues to deteriorate, some depositors have attempted to take back their savings by force.","keySentence":null,"url":"lebanon-hit-by-string-of-bank-robberies-as-citizens-try-to-claim-own-savings","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Several people across Lebanon have attempted to rob banks in order to get hold of their own savings, as the country's economy continues to nosedive. \n\nOn Friday, there were at least five bank robberies. One person entered the building armed with a hunting rifle, spurred on by restrictions on the amount customers are able to withdraw from banks since 2019. \n\nIn the past 48 hours, at least seven other banks were robbed. \n\nOne customer carrying what appeared to be a weapon managed to take $19,000 from his own account. \n\nAfter the robbery, he gave the money to this accomplice, who the local press claimed was his son, before turning himself into the police. \n\nIn the southern part of the country\u2019s capital Beirut, a man armed with a dummy pistol managed to withdraw $20,000 from a bank. \n\nAnother man, identified as Abed Soubra, entered a bank armed, demanding access to his $300,000 in savings. \n\nHe eventually left the bank after sundown without his money, and authorities did not take him into custody. \n\nIn another part of Beirut, a man with a hunting rifle demanded his deposit. The man, Jawad Sleem, is a father of seven who has been jobless for months. \n\nIn response, the Lebanese Banks Association has decided to close all branches from 19 to 21 September. \n\nLebanon is experiencing what the World Bank has described as one of the world\u2019s worst economic crises, with nearly three-quarters of the country\u2019s population having been pushed into absolute poverty. \n\nThe country\u2019s currency, the Lebanese lira, has lost 95% of its value since 2019. \n\nThe economic crisis has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 ammonium nitrate explosion at Beirut\u2019s port, which was considered one of the worst non-nuclear blasts in history.\u00a0 \n\nThe 1.1 kilotonne blast, which is still being investigated, caused at least 218 deaths and 7,000 injuries, and left at least 300,000 people homeless.","htmlText":"<p>Several people across Lebanon have attempted to rob banks in order to get hold of their own savings, as the country's economy continues to nosedive.<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, there were at least five bank robberies. One person entered the building armed with a hunting rifle, spurred on by restrictions on the amount customers are able to withdraw from banks since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>In the past 48 hours, at least seven other banks were robbed.<\/p>\n<p>One customer carrying what appeared to be a weapon managed to take $19,000 from his own account.<\/p>\n<p>After the robbery, he gave the money to this accomplice, who the local press claimed was his son, before turning himself into the police.<\/p>\n<p>In the southern part of the country\u2019s capital Beirut, a man armed with a dummy pistol managed to withdraw $20,000 from a bank.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6829052,6778906\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//07//08//lebanons-top-designers-stun-in-their-haute-couture-runway-shows/">Lebanon/u2019s top designers stun In their haute couture runway shows<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//06//22//lebanon-is-making-a-comeback-with-a-fresh-wave-of-tourism-this-summer/">Lebanon is making a comeback with a fresh wave of tourism this summer<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Another man, identified as Abed Soubra, entered a bank armed, demanding access to his $300,000 in savings.<\/p>\n<p>He eventually left the bank after sundown without his money, and authorities did not take him into custody.<\/p>\n<p>In another part of Beirut, a man with a hunting rifle demanded his deposit. The man, Jawad Sleem, is a father of seven who has been jobless for months.<\/p>\n<p>In response, the Lebanese Banks Association has decided to close all branches from 19 to 21 September.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon is experiencing what the World Bank has described as one of the world\u2019s worst economic crises, with nearly three-quarters of the country\u2019s population having been pushed into absolute poverty.<\/p>\n<p>The country\u2019s currency, the Lebanese lira, has lost 95% of its value since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The economic crisis has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 ammonium nitrate explosion at Beirut\u2019s port, which was considered one of the worst non-nuclear blasts in history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The 1.1 kilotonne blast, which is still being investigated, caused at least 218 deaths and 7,000 injuries, and left at least 300,000 people homeless.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1663340048,"publishedAt":1663358937,"updatedAt":1663402293,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/09\/16\/lebanon-hit-by-string-of-bank-robberies-as-citizens-try-to-claim-own-savings","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/02\/15\/96\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0b638c9e-2e03-5ca5-884d-871d2a479b4b-7021596.jpg","altText":"Abed Soubra, who is allegedly holding hostages in a bank in an effort to get to funds in his account, speaks with media in Beirut, Lebanon.","caption":"Abed Soubra, who is allegedly holding hostages in a bank in an effort to get to funds in his account, speaks with media in Beirut, Lebanon.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Bilal Hussein\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/02\/15\/92\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_eb687733-4f7b-57a0-9cf7-e3757e0159d9-7021592.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Bilal Hussein\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":6000,"height":4000}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"},{"id":9415,"slug":"economic-crisis","urlSafeValue":"economic-crisis","title":"Economic crisis","titleRaw":"Economic crisis"}],"related":[{"id":2070832},{"id":2091344}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/09\/16\/en\/220916_NWSU_48259122_48264887_80000_215623_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"80000","filesizeBytes":10605896,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/09\/16\/en\/220916_NWSU_48259122_48264887_80000_215623_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"80000","filesizeBytes":16200008,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8dre0s","youtubeId":"mDQIhvt-csU"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/09\/16\/lebanon-hit-by-string-of-bank-robberies-as-citizens-try-to-claim-own-savings","lastModified":1663402293},{"id":2033886,"cid":6946046,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220816_E5BX_47818758","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'neg_facebook_2021','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gt_mixed','neg_facebook_q4','neg_citi_campaign','neg_facebook','neg_intel_en','neg_bucherer','gt_negative_sadness','neg_saudiaramco','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','gv_death_injury'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy","titleListing2":"Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy","leadin":"Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy","summary":"Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy","keySentence":null,"url":"beiruts-collapsing-silos-and-the-fading-memory-of-a-tragedy","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"I knew I was going to arrive in Lebanon at a crucial time.\u00a0 \n\nThat\u2019s part of the reason why I decided to visit during the first week of August as it marked the second anniversary of the explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 250 people. \n\nAnd just a few hours prior to my departure, a part of the giant silos\u2019 remaining structure fell to the ground.\u00a0 \n\nFriends of mine had warned me about that. One of the many health alerts I had received stated that \"according to media reports, sensors at the silos damaged by the Port of Beirut blast indicate that the structure is tilting at an increasing rate and can collapse at any time.\" \n\nThat meant a few rules had to be followed: avoid the area surrounding the port and if indoors close the windows; and wear a mask when outside.\u00a0 \n\nAs I got to Beirut my priority was to visit the site and as the anniversary approached, I saw several television crews hanging around using the silos backdrop for live reports. Yet getting close to the silos wasn't possible and the closer I could get with a decent angle was on a section of the highway facing the silos. \n\nThere, I met an activist campaigning on behalf of the families of the victims of the 4 August 2020 blast who told me that \"we should protect\" the silos. \n\n\"The relatives of the victims wanted it to be here,\" he said. \"It\u2019s their right to see it here\", he went on, \"so that\u00a0if we pass from here we remember what has happened to us.\" \n\nFari's message is the one shared by many who have been calling to preserve the structure and turn it into a memorial as a living testimony of the collapse. For those still grieving the loss of their departed loved ones, whose pictures adorn a wall facing the silos, it symbolises a stark reminder of the negligence of Lebanon\u2019s ruling class. \n\nA protest was scheduled to take place on 4 August but I got different takes on what to expect. A local television producer told me that \"not many people will be attending\" whereas Farid said that \"many\u00a0people will be here you\u2019ll see \u2013 you\u2019ll be surprised\". \n\nI guess the difference between the two versions speaks volumes about the fact that staging such protests doesn\u2019t come easy and that perhaps after two years most of these families feel exhausted.\u00a0 \n\nAnd, I figured, it must be very difficult for many to sustain the burden of the tragedy while having to cope with one of the worst financial crises the country has ever experienced.\u00a0 \n\nYet, the two things are connected, if only because after the explosion Lebanon holds no strategic stockpile of grains. \n\nThe war in Ukraine has increased the strain, driving hunger in a country already hit by years of financial and political instability.\u00a0According to Unicef, 80% of the wheat in Lebanon comes from Russia and Ukraine.\u00a0 \n\nA dire reality that becomes even more serious when you speak to locals. \n\nMost shops that rely on privately-shared neighbourhood generators have to shut early, which I experienced myself a couple of times with the light switching off all of a sudden at 4pm in the afternoon.\u00a0 \n\nIt\u2019s not the same for hotels that can afford those generators to stay on for longer but for people like my taxi driver who cannot afford it, they can only count on two, three hours of state electricity per day. \n\nOn the financial front, banks don\u2019t exist anymore and when exchanging dollars into the local currency choosing the right place to do it it\u2019s a must. The Lebanese Lira disintegrated in value losing more than 15% of its purchase power since the beginning of the year.\u00a0 \n\nAs I drove around the city I could see many buildings bearing the marks of the blast as not all of them have been rebuilt since. \n\nWith just a day to go before protests were to take place across the city to mark the second anniversary, local institutions issued multiple warnings that a new collapse would have taken place and we took the decision to leave town. \n\nPictures on social media platforms showed that hundreds of people took the streets on the 4th of August 2022. \n\nBut what turned this demonstration into a much more symbolic event was the collapse of a pair of grain silos happening right in front protesters\u2019 eyes as they marched on the streets.","htmlText":"<p>I knew I was going to arrive in Lebanon at a crucial time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s part of the reason why I decided to visit during the first week of August as it marked the second anniversary of the explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 250 people.<\/p>\n<p>And just a few hours prior to my departure, a part of the giant silos\u2019 remaining structure fell to the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Friends of mine had warned me about that. One of the many health alerts I had received stated that \"according to media reports, sensors at the silos damaged by the Port of Beirut blast indicate that the structure is tilting at an increasing rate and can collapse at any time.\"<\/p>\n<p>That meant a few rules had to be followed: avoid the area surrounding the port and if indoors close the windows; and wear a mask when outside.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As I got to Beirut my priority was to visit the site and as the anniversary approached, I saw several television crews hanging around using the silos backdrop for live reports. Yet getting close to the silos wasn't possible and the closer I could get with a decent angle was on a section of the highway facing the silos.<\/p>\n<p>There, I met an activist campaigning on behalf of the families of the victims of the 4 August 2020 blast who told me that \"we should protect\" the silos.<\/p>\n<p>\"The relatives of the victims wanted it to be here,\" he said. \"It\u2019s their right to see it here\", he went on, \"so that\u00a0if we pass from here we remember what has happened to us.\"<\/p>\n<p>Fari's message is the one shared by many who have been calling to preserve the structure and turn it into a memorial as a living testimony of the collapse. For those still grieving the loss of their departed loved ones, whose pictures adorn a wall facing the silos, it symbolises a stark reminder of the negligence of Lebanon\u2019s ruling class.<\/p>\n<p>A protest was scheduled to take place on 4 August but I got different takes on what to expect. A local television producer told me that \"not many people will be attending\" whereas Farid said that \"many\u00a0people will be here you\u2019ll see \u2013 you\u2019ll be surprised\".<\/p>\n<p>I guess the difference between the two versions speaks volumes about the fact that staging such protests doesn\u2019t come easy and that perhaps after two years most of these families feel exhausted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And, I figured, it must be very difficult for many to sustain the burden of the tragedy while having to cope with one of the worst financial crises the country has ever experienced.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Yet, the two things are connected, if only because after the explosion Lebanon holds no strategic stockpile of grains.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6903756,6404606\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//01//21//beirut-exhibition-displays-restored-art-after-2020-port-blast/">Beirut exhibition displays restored art after 2020 port blast<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//08//04//beirut-locals-still-search-for-answers-two-years-after-port-explosion/">Beirut locals still search for answers two years after port explosion<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The war in Ukraine has increased the strain, driving hunger in a country already hit by years of financial and political instability.\u00a0According to Unicef, 80% of the wheat in Lebanon comes from Russia and Ukraine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A dire reality that becomes even more serious when you speak to locals.<\/p>\n<p>Most shops that rely on privately-shared neighbourhood generators have to shut early, which I experienced myself a couple of times with the light switching off all of a sudden at 4pm in the afternoon.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not the same for hotels that can afford those generators to stay on for longer but for people like my taxi driver who cannot afford it, they can only count on two, three hours of state electricity per day.<\/p>\n<p>On the financial front, banks don\u2019t exist anymore and when exchanging dollars into the local currency choosing the right place to do it it\u2019s a must. The Lebanese Lira disintegrated in value losing more than 15% of its purchase power since the beginning of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As I drove around the city I could see many buildings bearing the marks of the blast as not all of them have been rebuilt since.<\/p>\n<p>With just a day to go before protests were to take place across the city to mark the second anniversary, local institutions issued multiple warnings that a new collapse would have taken place and we took the decision to leave town.<\/p>\n<p>Pictures on social media platforms showed that hundreds of people took the streets on the 4th of August 2022.<\/p>\n<p>But what turned this demonstration into a much more symbolic event was the collapse of a pair of grain silos happening right in front protesters\u2019 eyes as they marched on the streets.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1660634226,"publishedAt":1660640277,"updatedAt":1660640279,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2022\/08\/16\/beiruts-collapsing-silos-and-the-fading-memory-of-a-tragedy","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-brussels","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/94\/60\/46\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_57080497-bc2b-5b20-9318-bb5cfcd3855d-6946046.jpg","altText":"Relatives of victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion hold portraits and symbolic coffins to mark the second anniversary of the blast, Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 4, 2022.","caption":"Relatives of victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion hold portraits and symbolic coffins to mark the second anniversary of the blast, Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 4, 2022.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hassan Ammar","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":900}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"orlandi","title":"Giorgia Orlandi","twitter":"@giorgiaorlandi_"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"europe-decoded","urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe Decoded","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-decoded\/europe-decoded"},"vertical":"my-europe","verticals":[{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"},"themes":[{"id":"europe-decoded","urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe Decoded","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-decoded"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":58,"urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe-decoded"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2022\/08\/16\/beiruts-collapsing-silos-and-the-fading-memory-of-a-tragedy","lastModified":1660640279},{"id":2022530,"cid":6910278,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220805_C2WB_47696343","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'neg_facebook_2021','neg_facebook','neg_saudiaramco','gt_negative','castrol_negative_uk','neg_facebook_q4','neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_mobkoi_fb-weareonit_fs_28feb2019','neg_nespresso','neg_facebook_neg1','neg_bucherer','gs_society','gt_negative_fear','gs_society_misc','gs_economy_misc','gs_health','gs_politics','gv_death_injury','gs_politics_misc','gs_health_misc','gt_negative_anger','gs_society_lgbt','gt_negative_dislike'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"How the Beirut blast and financial crisis has affected Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Abuses against Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ rise after blast and financial crisis","titleListing2":"\u2018We woke up one day to find our currency devaluated, our city blown up in the middle of a pandemic\u2026 And we found out that 90% of orgs were unwilling to support LGBTQ+ people.\u201d \n\nHow the Beirut blast and financial crisis affected Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community.","leadin":"Two years after the explosion at Beirut\u2019s port, abuses against Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community have skyrocketed.","summary":"Two years after the explosion at Beirut\u2019s port, abuses against Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community have skyrocketed.","keySentence":null,"url":"how-the-beirut-blast-and-financial-crisis-has-affected-lebanons-lgbtq-community","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The devastating explosion at Beirut's port two years ago, on top of Lebanon's deteriorating financial situation, has caused the number of people from the LGBTQ+ community seeking help to skyrocket. \n\nIn 2019, Helem, Lebanon\u2019s first LGBTQ+ rights organization, started recording the number of people in need of\u00a0financial support. Members of the organization were worried that state crackdowns, such as curfews,\u00a0following mass anti-government demonstrations, would harm the community. \n\nThey found around 200 people needed aid. Most of them were members of the trans community. \n\nBy 2022, that list ballooned: more than 2,000 people were seeking help with cases of abuse or financial assistance, and over 1,000 people have contacted Helem for help with their mental health, food security, and medical bills. \n\n\u201cWe woke up one day to find our currency devaluated, our city blown up in the middle of a pandemic and humanitarian crisis,\u201d says Tarek Zeidan, the executive director of Helem. \n\n\u201cWe found out that not a single organisation was equipped to handle LGBTQ+ people in the slightest, and even 90 percent, if not 95 percent, were unwilling to take on LGBTQ+ people and support them in any way,\u201d he told Euronews. \n\nAn alarming increase in abuses \n\n\"The economic and financial crisis (in Lebanon) is likely to rank in the top 10 - possibly top 3 - most severe crises episodes globally since the mid-nineteenth century,\" according to the World Bank .\u00a0 \n\nAround three-quarters of its population has been pulled into poverty, and tens of thousands of people have left the country.\u00a0And the Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 percent of its value compared to the US dollar since 2019. \n\nIt\u2019s in this environment that the number of violations against the rights of Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community, including death threats and physical and domestic violence, have escalated. \n\nIn 2019, Helem recorded 522 abuse cases. In 2020, that number jumped to 2,161. \n\nAnd in 2021, the organisation recorded 4,007 incidents. \n\nOf the people who went to Helem for help, seeking free legal counselling and mental health support, around 60 percent were Syrian nationals. \n\nThe consequences of the Beirut blast \n\nAccording to Zeidan, one of the reasons the blast had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community was because pockets of the population lived around the Beirut port, where the explosion originated. \n\n\u201cAreas of Beirut adjacent to the port are notoriously well known for being LGBTQ+ friendly areas of the city,\u201d says Zeidan. \u201cNext to those areas was where the majority of working-class Queer people lived. \n\n\u201cMany of the people living there weren't landowners and had to find places that they could afford well outside of Beirut after the blast, which means that they faced massive amounts of discrimination and hate outside of these concentrated urban centres.\u201d \n\nIn a 2021 report by Oxfam , which surveyed 101 members of Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community, 58 percent of participants said the blast damaged their housing; 35 percent said they had to relocate; and 66 percent said they were not generating income when participating. \n\nThe unemployment rate in Lebanon as a whole stood at 29.6 percent as of January 2022, according to the UN\u2019s International Labour Organization. \n\nBut according to\u00a0Zeidan, the situation has become desperate because of the currency crash. \n\n\u201cEven if people did retain their jobs, their families went from getting $1,000 (\u20ac983) a month at the time down to $80 (\u20ac78) a month.\u201d \n\nA silver lining in a\u00a0deteriorating situation \n\nThe situation has not improved since last year. \n\n\u201cWe are witnessing the same sort of intensity and violence that we had witnessed in 2021, meaning that the social and economic violations that we had have continued into 2022,\u201d notes Zeidan. \n\n\u201cOn a similar scale, there has been no improvement, no reduction in the number of cases that have come to us for humanitarian aid.\u201d \n\nIn addition to the financial crisis, Lebanon is also particularly vulnerable to the global consequences of the war in Ukraine. \n\nRussia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine has sparked fears of food shortages, as Lebanon imported around 80 percent of its wheat from Ukraine prior to the war. \u201cWe are not at all independent from what's going on in Ukraine,\u201d according to Zeidan. \n\nAnd in recent months, authorities have started to target the LGBTQ+ communities, according to Human Rights Watch. \u00a0The organization stated that the country\u2019s interior minister called on a ban of gatherings \u201cpromoting sexual perversion\u201d in an internal letter referring to the LGBTQ+ community, dated 24 June. \n\nThat same day, \u201cofficers from General Security, Internal Security, and the Internal Security\u2019s information branch questioned both LGBTQ+ and feminist activists at a cultural center about a planned private seven-person workshop, telling them to cancel the event or apply for a permit,\u201d according to the Human Rights Watch report. \n\nSecurity forces also visited the offices of Helem, reportedly searching for documents such as registration papers. \n\nBut in light of this deteriorating situation, Zeidan assured Euronews that there is still hope. \n\n\u201cThe only silver lining that I see is that the fight in Lebanon is a fight. That doesn't mean we are going to win. It just means that the topic has graduated to become a national, divisive, controversial issue, up for discussion as a political fight.\u201d","htmlText":"<p>The devastating explosion at Beirut's port two years ago, on top of Lebanon's deteriorating financial situation, has caused the number of people from the LGBTQ+ community seeking help to skyrocket.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Helem, Lebanon\u2019s first LGBTQ+ rights organization, started recording the number of people in need of\u00a0financial support. Members of the organization were worried that state crackdowns, such as curfews,\u00a0following mass anti-government demonstrations, would harm the community.<\/p>\n<p>They found around 200 people needed aid. Most of them were members of the trans community.<\/p>\n<p>By 2022, that list ballooned: more than 2,000 people were seeking help with cases of abuse or financial assistance, and over 1,000 people have contacted Helem for help with their mental health, food security, and medical bills.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe woke up one day to find our currency devaluated, our city blown up in the middle of a pandemic and humanitarian crisis,\u201d says Tarek Zeidan, the executive director of Helem.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe found out that not a single organisation was equipped to handle LGBTQ+ people in the slightest, and even 90 percent, if not 95 percent, were unwilling to take on LGBTQ+ people and support them in any way,\u201d he told Euronews.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6885874,6704776\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//07//27//long-queues-at-beirut-bakeries-as-lebanon-bread-crisis-continues/">Long queues at Beirut bakeries as Lebanon bread crisis continues<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//05//16//lebanon-elections-hezbollah-and-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-in-parliamentary-vote/">Lebanon elections: Hezbollah and allies lose majority in parliamentary vote<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2><strong>An alarming increase in abuses<\/strong><\/h2><p>\"The economic and financial crisis (in Lebanon) is likely to rank in the top 10 - possibly top 3 - most severe crises episodes globally since the mid-nineteenth century,\" according to the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.worldbank.org//en//news//press-release//2021//05//01//lebanon-sinking-into-one-of-the-most-severe-global-crises-episodes/">World Bank<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Around three-quarters of its population has been pulled into poverty, and tens of thousands of people have left the country.\u00a0And the Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 percent of its value compared to the US dollar since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s in this environment that the number of violations against the rights of Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community, including death threats and physical and domestic violence, have escalated.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Helem recorded 522 abuse cases. In 2020, that number jumped to 2,161.<\/p>\n<p>And in 2021, the organisation recorded 4,007 incidents.<\/p>\n<p>Of the people who went to Helem for help, seeking free legal counselling and mental health support, around 60 percent were Syrian nationals.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The consequences of the Beirut blast<\/strong><\/h2><p>According to Zeidan, one of the reasons the blast had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community was because pockets of the population lived around the Beirut port, where the explosion originated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAreas of Beirut adjacent to the port are notoriously well known for being LGBTQ+ friendly areas of the city,\u201d says Zeidan. \u201cNext to those areas was where the majority of working-class Queer people lived.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMany of the people living there weren't landowners and had to find places that they could afford well outside of Beirut after the blast, which means that they faced massive amounts of discrimination and hate outside of these concentrated urban centres.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a 2021 report by <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.oxfam.org//en//research//queer-community-crisis-trauma-inequality-and-vulnerability/">Oxfam, which surveyed 101 members of Lebanon\u2019s LGBTQ+ community, 58 percent of participants said the blast damaged their housing; 35 percent said they had to relocate; and 66 percent said they were not generating income when participating.<\/p>\n<p>The unemployment rate in Lebanon as a whole stood at 29.6 percent as of January 2022, according to the UN\u2019s International Labour Organization.<\/p>\n<p>But according to\u00a0Zeidan, the situation has become desperate because of the currency crash.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEven if people did retain their jobs, their families went from getting $1,000 (\u20ac983) a month at the time down to $80 (\u20ac78) a month.\u201d<\/p>\n<div data-oembed-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CZZemsksFhJ\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link\" class=\"widget widget--type-instagram widget--size-medium widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CZZemsksFhJ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.instagram.com//p//CZZemsksFhJ//?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\%22 style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.instagram.com//p//CZZemsksFhJ//?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\%22 style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">A post shared by Helem Lebanon (@helemlebanon)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=https://www.euronews.com/"////platform.instagram.com//en_US//embeds.js/"> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>A silver lining in a\u00a0deteriorating situation<\/strong><\/h2><p>The situation has not improved since last year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are witnessing the same sort of intensity and violence that we had witnessed in 2021, meaning that the social and economic violations that we had have continued into 2022,\u201d notes Zeidan.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn a similar scale, there has been no improvement, no reduction in the number of cases that have come to us for humanitarian aid.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the financial crisis, Lebanon is also particularly vulnerable to the global consequences of the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine has sparked fears of food shortages, as Lebanon imported around 80 percent of its wheat from Ukraine prior to the war. \u201cWe are not at all independent from what's going on in Ukraine,\u201d according to Zeidan.<\/p>\n<p>And in recent months, authorities have started to target the LGBTQ+ communities, according to <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.hrw.org//news//2022//07//04//lebanon-unlawful-crackdown-lgbti-gatherings/">Human Rights Watch.<\/a>\u00a0The organization stated that the country\u2019s interior minister called on a ban of gatherings \u201cpromoting sexual perversion\u201d in an internal letter referring to the LGBTQ+ community, dated 24 June.<\/p>\n<p>That same day, \u201cofficers from General Security, Internal Security, and the Internal Security\u2019s information branch questioned both LGBTQ+ and feminist activists at a cultural center about a planned private seven-person workshop, telling them to cancel the event or apply for a permit,\u201d according to the Human Rights Watch report.<\/p>\n<p>Security forces also visited the offices of Helem, reportedly searching for documents such as registration papers.<\/p>\n<p>But in light of this deteriorating situation, Zeidan assured Euronews that there is still hope.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe only silver lining that I see is that the fight in Lebanon is a fight. That doesn't mean we are going to win. It just means that the topic has graduated to become a national, divisive, controversial issue, up for discussion as a political fight.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1659705371,"publishedAt":1659718228,"updatedAt":1659718239,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/08\/05\/how-the-beirut-blast-and-financial-crisis-has-affected-lebanons-lgbtq-community","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/91\/02\/78\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e33c6cd7-7f0f-540f-a148-d685e739881f-6910278.jpg","altText":"Activists from the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon shout slogans as they march calling on the government for more rights in the country gripped by economic and financial crisis.","caption":"Activists from the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon shout slogans as they march calling on the government for more rights in the country gripped by economic and financial crisis.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hassan Ammar\/AP News","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"berjikian","title":"Katherine Berjikian","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":12541,"slug":"lgbt","urlSafeValue":"lgbt","title":"LGBT","titleRaw":"LGBT"},{"id":24594,"slug":"human-rights-activist","urlSafeValue":"human-rights-activist","title":"human rights activist","titleRaw":"human rights activist"}],"related":[{"id":2066014}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"instagram","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture-news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/08\/05\/how-the-beirut-blast-and-financial-crisis-has-affected-lebanons-lgbtq-community","lastModified":1659718239},{"id":2014764,"cid":6890800,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220729_NCSU_47609951","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gv_death_injury','neg_facebook','neg_saudiaramco','neg_facebook_2021','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','neg_nespresso','neg_umw_fs_12oct202','neg_facebook_q4','neg_bucherer'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Smoke billows from grain silos in Beirut port","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Smoke billows from grain silos in Beirut port","leadin":"Aerial shots show smoke billowing from grain silos in Beirut's blast-hit port which are at risk of collapsing after a fire.","summary":"Aerial shots show smoke billowing from grain silos in Beirut's blast-hit port which are at risk of collapsing after a fire.","keySentence":null,"url":"smoke-billows-from-grain-silos-in-beirut-port","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Aerial shots show smoke billowing from grain silos in Beirut's blast-hit port which are at risk of collapsing after a fire. August 4 is the second anniversary of the devastating explosion that killed more than 200 people and injured over 6,500.","htmlText":"<p>Aerial shots show smoke billowing from grain silos in Beirut's blast-hit port which are at risk of collapsing after a fire. August 4 is the second anniversary of the devastating explosion that killed more than 200 people and injured over 6,500.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1659112780,"publishedAt":1659114979,"updatedAt":1659114985,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/07\/29\/smoke-billows-from-grain-silos-in-beirut-port","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/89\/08\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_480932f0-b5a9-5bc5-b9fb-2d92bf5ac15f-6890800.jpg","altText":"smoke billows from grain silos in Beirut port","caption":"smoke billows from grain silos in Beirut port","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":1724,"slug":"bayreuth","urlSafeValue":"bayreuth","title":"Bayreuth","titleRaw":"Bayreuth"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":4988,"slug":"corruption","urlSafeValue":"corruption","title":"Corruption","titleRaw":"Corruption"},{"id":6254,"slug":"crime","urlSafeValue":"crime","title":"Crime","titleRaw":"Crime"}],"related":[{"id":2020388},{"id":2043168}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/07\/29\/en\/220729_NCSU_47609951_47610120_60000_185454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":7579980,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/07\/29\/en\/220729_NCSU_47609951_47610120_60000_185454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":11291468,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8cr757"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AFP & Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2022\/07\/29\/smoke-billows-from-grain-silos-in-beirut-port","lastModified":1659114985},{"id":2012510,"cid":6885874,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220727_NCSU_47574319","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_food_misc','gs_food','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_facebook','neg_nespresso','gs_event_blackfriday','gs_shopping_misc','gs_shopping','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Long queues at Beirut bakeries as Lebanon bread crisis continues","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Long queues at Beirut bakeries as Lebanon bread crisis continues","titleListing2":"Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut.","leadin":"Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut.","summary":"Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut.","keySentence":null,"url":"long-queues-at-beirut-bakeries-as-lebanon-bread-crisis-continues","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where people wait hours for a bag of subsidised Arabic bread.","htmlText":"<p>Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where people wait hours for a bag of subsidised Arabic bread.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1658937001,"publishedAt":1658941261,"updatedAt":1658941266,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/07\/27\/long-queues-at-beirut-bakeries-as-lebanon-bread-crisis-continues","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/88\/58\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e552e572-0f9d-5187-b041-950e869049e0-6885874.jpg","altText":"Bread in a lebanese bakery","caption":"Bread in a lebanese bakery","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"godon","title":"Mathilde Godon","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":20952,"slug":"crisis","urlSafeValue":"crisis","title":"crisis","titleRaw":"crisis"},{"id":18638,"slug":"bread","urlSafeValue":"bread","title":"bread","titleRaw":"bread"}],"related":[{"id":2091344},{"id":2120692}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/07\/27\/en\/220727_NCSU_47574319_47575478_120000_185047_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"120000","filesizeBytes":15399259,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/07\/27\/en\/220727_NCSU_47574319_47575478_120000_185047_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"120000","filesizeBytes":24120155,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8cpqc5","youtubeId":"KTGvXOqf5qQ"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2022\/07\/27\/long-queues-at-beirut-bakeries-as-lebanon-bread-crisis-continues","lastModified":1658941266},{"id":1969546,"cid":6778906,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220616_TCSU_46974973","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_facebook','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','gs_business','gs_covid19','neg_citi_campaign_3','gs_event_summer_fun','gs_health_misc','gs_economy','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gt_mixed','gs_health','gs_economy_misc','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lebanon is making a comeback with a fresh wave of tourism this summer","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Can Lebanon's travel sector make a roaring comeback this summer?","titleListing2":"Lebanon makes a comeback this summer with a surge of new tourists","leadin":"Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis.","summary":"Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis.","keySentence":null,"url":"lebanon-is-making-a-comeback-with-a-fresh-wave-of-tourism-this-summer","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis. \n\nThe Mediterranean nation, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, mountain resorts, and cuisine, is preparing for anywhere between 10,000 to 12,000 travellers a day, according to Lebanese Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar. \n\nHe adds that hotels and many guest houses are fully booked for the next three months. \n\nThe country has a large diaspora who are expected to visit family this summer - despite chronic electricity cuts and political and financial instability. \n\nMany Lebanese people have left in the past couple years after the economic crisis started. The crisis was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and a massive blast at Beirut\u2019s port in August 2020 . \n\nHow are businesses preparing for the influx of travellers? \n\nBusiness owners are hoping to boost their hard-hit fortunes. \n\n\"We believe that this year will be among the best years for the country. All of us in this sector are making big investments and we believe in the security and stability levels, and we believe that everyone will come to the country,\u201d says Claude Taber, the owner of Rocca Marina Beach. \n\n\u201cEveryone is coming to Lebanon because there is nothing nicer than Lebanon's nature . Everyone knows this.\" \n\nRita Dekess, marketing and communications director at The Village, a community of restaurants and bars in Lebanon, says all 20 of their outlets are open. \n\n\u201cWe also have about 3,000 frequent customers who come on Saturdays and Sundays. About 2,000 customers come during the week. And all of this is because the restaurants offer excellent quality service and entertainment at very reasonable prices,\u201d she says. \n\nWatch the video above to see how Lebanon is preparing for the surge of visitors this summer.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis.<\/p>\n<p>The Mediterranean nation, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, mountain resorts, and cuisine, is preparing for anywhere between 10,000 to 12,000 travellers a day, according to Lebanese Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar.<\/p>\n<p>He adds that hotels and many guest houses are fully booked for the next three months.<\/p>\n<p>The country has a large diaspora who are expected to visit family this summer - despite chronic electricity cuts and political and financial instability.<\/p>\n<p>Many Lebanese people have left in the past couple years after the economic crisis started. The crisis was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and a <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//06//14//beirut-explosion-2020-meet-the-locals-rebuilding-their-businesses-from-scratch/">massive blast at Beirut\u2019s port in August 2020<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6694496,6563238\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//05//11//arabian-travel-market-aims-to-attract-european-tourists-to-the-middle-east/">Arabian Travel Market aims to attract European tourists to the Middle East<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//03//23//jordan-everything-you-need-to-plan-a-trip-to-this-middle-eastern-gem/">Trek in the desert and float on the Dead Sea: Why you should visit Jordan in 2022<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>How are businesses preparing for the influx of travellers?<\/h2><p>Business owners are hoping to boost their hard-hit fortunes.<\/p>\n<p>\"We believe that this year will be among the best years for the country. All of us in this sector are making big investments and we believe in the security and stability levels, and we believe that everyone will come to the country,\u201d says Claude Taber, the owner of Rocca Marina Beach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEveryone is coming to Lebanon because there is nothing nicer than <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2019//04//17//butterflies-swarm-lebanons-meadows-in-numbers-unseen-for-100-years/">Lebanon's nature<\/strong><\/a>. Everyone knows this.\"<\/p>\n<p>Rita Dekess, marketing and communications director at The Village, a community of restaurants and bars in Lebanon, says all 20 of their outlets are open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe also have about 3,000 frequent customers who come on Saturdays and Sundays. About 2,000 customers come during the week. And all of this is because the restaurants offer excellent quality service and entertainment at very reasonable prices,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to see how Lebanon is preparing for the surge of visitors this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1655400130,"publishedAt":1655916245,"updatedAt":1655916256,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2022\/06\/22\/lebanon-is-making-a-comeback-with-a-fresh-wave-of-tourism-this-summer","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/77\/89\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3d4b7421-349f-59e0-807c-0249488dd186-6778906.jpg","altText":"Women dance at the Taiga nightclub in Batroun village, north of Beirut, Lebanon.","caption":"Women dance at the Taiga nightclub in Batroun village, north of Beirut, Lebanon.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"sarna","title":"Shivan Sarna","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"sarna","title":"Shivan Sarna","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":19624,"slug":"night-life","urlSafeValue":"night-life","title":"night life","titleRaw":"night life"},{"id":11950,"slug":"middle-east","urlSafeValue":"middle-east","title":"Middle East","titleRaw":"Middle East"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/TC\/SU\/22\/06\/16\/en\/220616_TCSU_46974973_46974979_80000_223645_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"80000","filesizeBytes":10247168,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/TC\/SU\/22\/06\/16\/en\/220616_TCSU_46974973_46974979_80000_223645_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"80000","filesizeBytes":14760448,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8bqy4g","youtubeId":"kZ6PObUIjAI"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/travel\/2022\/06\/22\/lebanon-is-making-a-comeback-with-a-fresh-wave-of-tourism-this-summer","lastModified":1655916256},{"id":1939542,"cid":6713390,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220520_NWSU_46549226","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_politics_misc','neg_facebook_2021','gs_politics','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','sm_politics','neg_nespresso','neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_saudiaramco','gt_negative','gs_economy_misc','gt_negative_sadness','gv_terrorism','gs_economy','gv_death_injury'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"What next for Lebanon after Hezbollah loses its parliamentary majority?","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"What now for Lebanon after Hezbollah loses its parliamentary majority?","titleListing2":"What next for Lebanon after Hezbollah loses its parliamentary majority?","leadin":"We spoke to Middle East expert Dr Chloe Kattar, a research fellow in history at the University of Cambridge, to find out.","summary":"We spoke to Middle East expert Dr Chloe Kattar, a research fellow in history at the University of Cambridge, to find out.","keySentence":null,"url":"what-next-for-lebanon-after-hezbollah-loses-its-parliamentary-majority","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanon\u2019s militant group Hezbollah and its allies lost their parliamentary majority after elections were held on Sunday. The coalition won 61 seats in the 128-member legislature, a drop of 10 members since the last vote was held four years ago. \n\nIndependents gained more than a dozen seats and were the big winners, along with the nationalist Christian Lebanese Forces party, which took votes away from its Christian rival, the Free Patriotic Movement founded by President Michel Aoun. \n\nIt\u2019s the first election since an economic crisis devastated the country, with the economy contracting a staggering 58% since 2019. \n\nEuronews spoke to Middle East expert Dr Chloe Kattar, a research fellow in history at the University of Cambridge. She put the economic crisis into perspective, saying \u201cthat what\u2019s happening in the Lebanese crisis is the biggest destruction of wealth.. in the past 150 years\u201d. \n\nAlong with the economic crisis, the country is struggling to afford its imports and is suffering the lingering effects of the Beruit port blast of 2020, which killed at least 218 people and left much of the capital devastated. \n\nThe process of forming a new government for the country will now take months, as there is no obvious majority in parliament.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanon\u2019s militant group Hezbollah and its allies lost their parliamentary majority after elections were held on Sunday. The coalition won 61 seats in the 128-member legislature, a drop of 10 members since the last vote was held four years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Independents gained more than a dozen seats and were the big winners, along with the nationalist Christian Lebanese Forces party, which took votes away from its Christian rival, the Free Patriotic Movement founded by President Michel Aoun.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the first election since an economic crisis devastated the country, with the economy contracting a staggering 58% since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Euronews spoke to Middle East expert Dr Chloe Kattar, a research fellow in history at the University of Cambridge. She put the economic crisis into perspective, saying \u201cthat what\u2019s happening in the Lebanese crisis is the biggest destruction of wealth.. in the past 150 years\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Along with the economic crisis, the country is struggling to afford its imports and is suffering the lingering effects of the Beruit port blast of 2020, which killed at least 218 people and left much of the capital devastated.<\/p>\n<p>The process of forming a new government for the country will now take months, as there is no obvious majority in parliament.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1653047472,"publishedAt":1653054099,"updatedAt":1653054101,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/05\/20\/what-next-for-lebanon-after-hezbollah-loses-its-parliamentary-majority","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/71\/33\/90\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9210c41e-2eed-5cc9-b674-acf735be0114-6713390.jpg","altText":"Election posters in Beruit","caption":"Election posters in Beruit","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Nasser Nasser\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3000,"height":2276}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"ssan","title":"Rhal Ssan","twitter":"@rhalssanio"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":21598,"slug":"lebanon-protests","urlSafeValue":"lebanon-protests","title":"Lebanon Protests","titleRaw":"Lebanon Protests"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":9123,"slug":"hezbollah","urlSafeValue":"hezbollah","title":"Hezbollah","titleRaw":"Hezbollah"}],"related":[{"id":1753916},{"id":1986422},{"id":2150090}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/05\/20\/en\/220520_NWSU_46549226_46550727_183680_145301_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"183680","filesizeBytes":23281813,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/05\/20\/en\/220520_NWSU_46549226_46550727_183680_145301_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"183680","filesizeBytes":36080277,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8azgc0","youtubeId":"ASE8TDBuQIM"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/05\/20\/what-next-for-lebanon-after-hezbollah-loses-its-parliamentary-majority","lastModified":1653054101},{"id":1939596,"cid":6713514,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220520_E5BX_46550674","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_politics_misc','gs_politics','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','sm_politics','neg_facebook_2021','custom_politics_brussels','neg_facebook','neg_facebook_q4','gt_negative','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Scores of EU election observers were sent to Lebanon. Here's how they witnessed 'irregularities'","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Here's what EU election observers do when monitoring ballots abroad","titleListing2":"In total, some 167 European election observers were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment. \nThey reported fundamental \"irregularities\" including vote-buying and coercion.","leadin":"In total, some 167 European election observers were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment.","summary":"In total, some 167 European election observers were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment.","keySentence":null,"url":"scores-of-eu-election-observers-were-sent-to-lebanon-here-s-how-they-witnessed-irregularit","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanon's parliamentary election, held last weekend, was hotly contested as the country remains severely impacted by an economic meltdown so to ensure transparency, European election observers monitored the ballot. \n\nIn total, some 167 European election observers from the 27 member states as well as Norway and Switzerland were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment.\u00a0 \n\nThey found fundamental \"irregularities\" in the electoral process such as vote-buying, campaign obstruction and intimidation at polling centres. \n\nWhat does election monitoring entail? \n\nIn the initial countdown to polling day, the role of the observers is to meet with all relevant agents of the process in an effort to evaluate the level playing field, and whether there is a chance for all parties to advance their campaign in the interests of fairness and democracy. \n\n\n\u201cWhen we meet with candidates, we talk to them about how the campaign is going, what kind of campaign strategy or methods they use in order to reach out to the voters, if they feel that they can campaign freely,\" Nikolay Paus, an EU observer based in Tripoli in north Lebanon, told Euronews. \n\n\u201cWe also talk to the electoral administration to see how the preparations are going. We talk to the media to see if they can campaign freely\u201d. \n\nCrucially the mission is not there to investigate the election or to issue a judgment on the election per se. \u201cWe are not here to interfere in the process, we are not investigators,\u201d Gy\u00f6rgy H\u00f6lv\u00e9nyi, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, told reporters at the publication of the preliminary statement from the mission. \n\nA team of two long-term observers was sent to each of the 26 districts in the country for the duration of the campaign. They visited 798 polling stations on polling day to\u00a0monitor the voting process on this day. \n\nWhat observers saw \n\nCrucially, observers cannot intervene in any situation even if they witness a breach.\u00a0 \n\nSome EU Observers told Euronews they saw heavy-handed levels of intimidation and coercion by party operatives or agents of some candidates. On some occasions agents forcibly accompanied voters to the ballot box. Often these were elderly, disabled or vulnerable people. \n\nOn polling day numerous tensions were reported by observers, and the \"lack of training\" of staff at the centres became visible. The EU mission officially confirmed in its preliminary statement that the lack of training of staff was obvious, and they were \u201cnot in control of the voting process\u201d where operatives and political groups were \"controlling who voted.\" \n\nOverall, the observer mission was given access to perform their duties, however, in one station, the Lebanese Armed Forces expelled the EU team only allowing them to return when the voting process had finished. \n\nOnce the ballot closed, votes were packed, boxes sealed and the Observer mission travelled to the tabulation centres to watch the counting process. While the mission said the counting process was largely transparent, the plethora of procedural errors in the lead-up constituted a major influence on the outcome of the result.\u00a0 \n\nEssentially, the EU concludes the secrecy of the ballot was not always guaranteed.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanon's parliamentary election, held last weekend, was hotly contested as the country remains severely impacted by an economic meltdown so to ensure transparency, European election observers monitored the ballot.<\/p>\n<p>In total, some 167 European election observers from the 27 member states as well as Norway and Switzerland were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They found fundamental \"irregularities\" in the electoral process such as vote-buying, campaign obstruction and intimidation at polling centres.<\/p>\n<h2>What does election monitoring entail?<\/h2><p>In the initial countdown to polling day, the role of the observers is to meet with all relevant agents of the process in an effort to evaluate the level playing field, and whether there is a chance for all parties to advance their campaign in the interests of fairness and democracy. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen we meet with candidates, we talk to them about how the campaign is going, what kind of campaign strategy or methods they use in order to reach out to the voters, if they feel that they can campaign freely,\" Nikolay Paus, an EU observer based in Tripoli in north Lebanon, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe also talk to the electoral administration to see how the preparations are going. We talk to the media to see if they can campaign freely\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Crucially the mission is not there to investigate the election or to issue a judgment on the election per se. \u201cWe are not here to interfere in the process, we are not investigators,\u201d Gy\u00f6rgy H\u00f6lv\u00e9nyi, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, told reporters at the publication of the preliminary statement from the mission.<\/p>\n<p>A team of two long-term observers was sent to each of the 26 districts in the country for the duration of the campaign. They visited 798 polling stations on polling day to\u00a0monitor the voting process on this day.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6704776\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//05//16//lebanon-elections-hezbollah-and-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-in-parliamentary-vote/">Lebanon elections: Hezbollah and allies lose majority in parliamentary vote<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>What observers saw<\/h2><p>Crucially, observers cannot intervene in any situation even if they witness a breach.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Some EU Observers told Euronews they saw heavy-handed levels of intimidation and coercion by party operatives or agents of some candidates. On some occasions agents forcibly accompanied voters to the ballot box. Often these were elderly, disabled or vulnerable people.<\/p>\n<p>On polling day numerous tensions were reported by observers, and the \"lack of training\" of staff at the centres became visible. The EU mission officially confirmed in its preliminary statement that the lack of training of staff was obvious, and they were \u201cnot in control of the voting process\u201d where operatives and political groups were \"controlling who voted.\"<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the observer mission was given access to perform their duties, however, in one station, the Lebanese Armed Forces expelled the EU team only allowing them to return when the voting process had finished.<\/p>\n<p>Once the ballot closed, votes were packed, boxes sealed and the Observer mission travelled to the tabulation centres to watch the counting process. While the mission said the counting process was largely transparent, the plethora of procedural errors in the lead-up constituted a major influence on the outcome of the result.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, the EU concludes the secrecy of the ballot was not always guaranteed.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1653050944,"publishedAt":1653052678,"updatedAt":1653052682,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2022\/05\/20\/scores-of-eu-election-observers-were-sent-to-lebanon-here-s-how-they-witnessed-irregularit","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-brussels","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/71\/35\/14\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3a959cae-d8ec-5aac-8e7c-610e3a01a6e4-6713514.jpg","altText":"Heads of polling stations and clerks receive ballot boxes for Sunday's parliamentarian elections in Beirut, Lebanon, May 14, 2022.","caption":"Heads of polling stations and clerks receive ballot boxes for Sunday's parliamentarian elections in Beirut, Lebanon, May 14, 2022.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Bilal Hussein","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":986}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"murray-s","title":"Shona Murray","twitter":"@ShonaMurray_"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":105,"slug":"european-union","urlSafeValue":"european-union","title":"European Union","titleRaw":"European Union"},{"id":25588,"slug":"election","urlSafeValue":"election","title":"Election","titleRaw":"Election"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"europe-decoded","urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe Decoded","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-decoded\/europe-decoded"},"vertical":"my-europe","verticals":[{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"My Europe"},"themes":[{"id":"europe-decoded","urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe Decoded","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/europe-decoded"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":58,"urlSafeValue":"europe-decoded","title":"Europe-decoded"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/my-europe\/2022\/05\/20\/scores-of-eu-election-observers-were-sent-to-lebanon-here-s-how-they-witnessed-irregularit","lastModified":1653052682},{"id":1935476,"cid":6704776,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220516_NWSU_46477518","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_politics_misc','gs_politics','neg_facebook_2021','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','sm_politics','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_nespresso','gt_negative','gv_death_injury','gs_covid19','gt_negative_sadness'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lebanon elections: Hezbollah and allies lose majority in parliamentary vote","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Lebanon elections: Hezbollah and allies lose majority in vote","titleListing2":"Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and its allies have lost the parliament majority they had held since 2018.","leadin":"It is the first election in Lebanon since a devastating economic crisis erupted in October 2019.","summary":"It is the first election in Lebanon since a devastating economic crisis erupted in October 2019.","keySentence":null,"url":"lebanon-elections-hezbollah-and-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-in-parliamentary-vote","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanon's largest political bloc has lost its parliamentary majority, according to official election results. \n\nThe Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group and its allies lost several seats to its strongest opponents in Sunday's vote. \n\nHezbollah and its main Shiite ally, the Amal group of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, managed to retain the 27 seats allocated to the sect. \n\nBut the bloc lost the parliamentary majority it had held since 2018 and won just 61 seats -- a drop of 10 members since the last vote was held in 2018. \n\nFinal results on Tuesday showed Hezbollah\u2019s Christian ally had lost ground to the right-wing Saudi-backed Christian Lebanese Forces party, headed by Samir Geagea. \n\nWith 19 seats, it has become the largest Christian party in the parliament, replacing the Hezbollah ally Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun. \n\nIndependent candidates -- including those who emerged amid anti-government protests in 2019 -- have meanwhile secured 14 seats. The final results on Tuesday also indicated a record of eight female MPs. \n\nCritics say the result for independents sends a strong message to ruling class politicians who have held on to their seats despite a devastating economic collapse that has plunged the majority of the country into poverty. \n\nVoter turnout was down to 41% from 49% in 2018, indicating that Hezbollah parties -- who have been in power for three decades -- may have failed to mobilise their supporters. \n\nThe Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections has claimed that its members were threatened and attacked by several groups, mostly in areas controlled by Hezbollah and Amal. \n\nIn a preliminary statement on Tuesday, the EU's Election Observation Mission said the poll had been \"overshadowed by widespread practices of vote-buying, clientelism and corruption\". \n\nA fragmented parliament -- divided between pro and anti-Hezbollah lawmakers -- will make it harder for Lebanon to\u00a0pass the new laws needed to begin the financial recovery. \n\nPrime Minister Najib Mikati has urged new MPs to move quickly \u201cbecause what we are passing through cannot withstand (political) bickering at the expense of priorities.\u201d \n\nSunday's elections were the first in Lebanon\u00a0since a devastating economic crisis erupted in October 2019, triggering nationwide protests against alleged corruption and mismanagement. \n\nThe crisis was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020, which\u00a0killed more than 200 people and destroyed parts of the capital. \n\nLebanon's new parliament will also elect a new president after Aoun\u2019s term ends in October. \n\nThe spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has called for the \u201cswift formation of an inclusive government\u201d that can finalise an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and stabilise the country's economy.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanon's largest political bloc has lost its parliamentary majority, according to official election results.<\/p>\n<p>The Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group and its allies lost several seats to its strongest opponents in Sunday's vote.<\/p>\n<p>Hezbollah and its main Shiite ally, the Amal group of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, managed to retain the 27 seats allocated to the sect.<\/p>\n<p>But the bloc lost the parliamentary majority it had held since 2018 and won just 61 seats -- a drop of 10 members since the last vote was held in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Final results on Tuesday showed Hezbollah\u2019s Christian ally had lost ground to the right-wing Saudi-backed Christian Lebanese Forces party, headed by Samir Geagea.<\/p>\n<p>With 19 seats, it has become the largest Christian party in the parliament, replacing the Hezbollah ally Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun.<\/p>\n<p>Independent candidates -- including those who emerged amid anti-government protests in 2019 -- have meanwhile secured 14 seats. The final results on Tuesday also indicated a record of eight female MPs.<\/p>\n<p>Critics say the result for independents sends a strong message to ruling class politicians who have held on to their seats despite a devastating economic collapse that has plunged the majority of the country into poverty.<\/p>\n<p>Voter turnout was down to 41% from 49% in 2018, indicating that Hezbollah parties -- who have been in power for three decades -- may have failed to mobilise their supporters.<\/p>\n<p>The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections has claimed that its members were threatened and attacked by several groups, mostly in areas controlled by Hezbollah and Amal.<\/p>\n<p>In a preliminary statement on Tuesday, the EU's Election Observation Mission said the poll had been \"overshadowed by widespread practices of vote-buying, clientelism and corruption\".<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6702402,5959424,5531850\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2022//05//15//lebanon-election-voters-go-to-polls-to-choose-new-parliament-amid-economic-meltdown/">Lebanon election: Voters go to polls to choose new parliament amid economic meltdown<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//08//04//politicians-hide-behind-their-immunity-lebanese-activist-says/">'Politicians hide behind their immunity' Lebanese activist says<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//04//06//what-s-happening-in-lebanon-matters-to-europe-here-s-why/">What's happening in Lebanon matters to Europe. Here's why<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A fragmented parliament -- divided between pro and anti-Hezbollah lawmakers -- will make it harder for Lebanon to\u00a0pass the new laws needed to begin the financial recovery.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged new MPs to move quickly \u201cbecause what we are passing through cannot withstand (political) bickering at the expense of priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sunday's elections were the first in Lebanon\u00a0since a devastating economic crisis erupted in October 2019, triggering nationwide protests against alleged corruption and mismanagement.<\/p>\n<p>The crisis was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020, which\u00a0killed more than 200 people and destroyed parts of the capital.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon's new parliament will also elect a new president after Aoun\u2019s term ends in October.<\/p>\n<p>The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General has called for the \u201cswift formation of an inclusive government\u201d that can finalise an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and stabilise the country's economy.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1652713841,"publishedAt":1652718738,"updatedAt":1652960524,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/05\/16\/lebanon-elections-hezbollah-and-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-in-parliamentary-vote","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/70\/47\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b64b69cf-f514-5cc3-956f-979476b2d6c2-6704776.jpg","altText":"Election officials count ballots shortly after polling stations closed in the northern city of Tripoli.","caption":"Election officials count ballots shortly after polling stations closed in the northern city of Tripoli.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Bilal Hussein","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1394,"height":828}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":21598,"slug":"lebanon-protests","urlSafeValue":"lebanon-protests","title":"Lebanon Protests","titleRaw":"Lebanon Protests"},{"id":11939,"slug":"elections","urlSafeValue":"elections","title":"Elections","titleRaw":"Elections"},{"id":9123,"slug":"hezbollah","urlSafeValue":"hezbollah","title":"Hezbollah","titleRaw":"Hezbollah"},{"id":9287,"slug":"parliamentary-elections","urlSafeValue":"parliamentary-elections","title":"Parliamentary elections","titleRaw":"Parliamentary elections"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"}],"related":[{"id":1596234},{"id":1564184}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/05\/16\/en\/220516_NWSU_46477518_46495335_167640_162517_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"167640","filesizeBytes":20900030,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/22\/05\/16\/en\/220516_NWSU_46477518_46495335_167640_162517_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"167640","filesizeBytes":30797502,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8avoyc","youtubeId":"S7ZfJrn4EJw"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Euronews","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/05\/16\/lebanon-elections-hezbollah-and-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-in-parliamentary-vote","lastModified":1652960524},{"id":1934436,"cid":6702402,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220515_NWSU_46457926","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_politics_misc','gs_politics','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','sm_politics','neg_facebook_2021','neg_facebook_q4','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gv_death_injury','gv_military','gt_negative','gs_economy_misc','gs_economy'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Lebanon election: Voters go to polls to choose new parliament amid economic meltdown","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Lebanese go to polls to elect new parliament amid economic meltdown","titleListing2":"Lebanon election: Voters go to polls to choose new parliament amid economic meltdown","leadin":"Expectations are low that the outcome will significantly alter the political landscape, despite a new crop of candidates from a nationwide protest movement.","summary":"Expectations are low that the outcome will significantly alter the political landscape, despite a new crop of candidates from a nationwide protest movement.","keySentence":null,"url":"lebanon-election-voters-go-to-polls-to-choose-new-parliament-amid-economic-meltdown","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lebanese citizens headed to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament against the backdrop of an economic meltdown that is transforming the country. \n\nSunday's vote is the first since Lebanon's implosion started in October 2019, triggering widespread anti-government protests. \n\nIt is also the first election since the massive August 2020 explosion at Beirut\u2019s port that killed more than 200 people, injured thousands and destroyed parts of Lebanon\u2019s capital.\u00a0The blast was widely blamed on negligence. \n\nThe extent of Lebanon's collapse was on display Sunday. In the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon's most impoverished city, several polling stations were without electricity and voters had to climb several flights of stairs to cast their ballots.\u00a0 \n\nAt one polling station in Beirut crowds of people were seen waiting outside the centre before polls had even opened. \n\nSome voters who cast their ballots told the AP they were hoping the election would bring about change in the country. \n\nThe voting is seen as a last chance to reverse course and punish the current crop of politicians, most of whom derive their power from Lebanon's sectarian political system and spoils taken at the end of its 15-year civil war in 1990. \n\n\nA new crop of candidates from the 2019 protest movement are running against the country\u2019s entrenched ruling class that is blamed for the economic collapse, hoping to unseat them. \n\nBut they are divided and lack the money, experience and other advantages held by traditional political rulers. \n\nThe World Bank has described Lebanon's collapse as one of the world's worst in the past 150 years. \n\n\nBut expectations for real change were low amid skepticism and widespread resignation that the vote was sure to bring back the same political parties. \n\nMainstream political parties and politicians remained strong going into the vote, while opposition figures and civil society activists hoping to unseat them are fractured. \n\nSome 718 candidates on 103 lists are running for seats in the 128-member parliament. \n\nThe vote is held once every four years. In 2018, voters gave the powerful Hezbollah and its allies the majority with 71 seats. \n\nLebanon has more than 3.5 million eligible voters, many of whom will cast their ballots in its 15 electoral districts. \n\nEarlier this month, Lebanese living abroad cast their ballots in countries where they live.","htmlText":"<p>Lebanese citizens headed to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament against the backdrop of an economic meltdown that is transforming the country.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday's vote is the first since Lebanon's implosion started in October 2019, triggering widespread anti-government protests.<\/p>\n<p>It is also the first election since the massive August 2020 explosion at Beirut\u2019s port that killed more than 200 people, injured thousands and destroyed parts of Lebanon\u2019s capital.\u00a0The blast was widely blamed on negligence. <\/p>\n<p>The extent of Lebanon's collapse was on display Sunday. In the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon's most impoverished city, several polling stations were without electricity and voters had to climb several flights of stairs to cast their ballots.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>At one polling station in Beirut crowds of people were seen waiting outside the centre before polls had even opened.<\/p>\n<p>Some voters who cast their ballots told the AP they were hoping the election would bring about change in the country.<\/p>\n<p>The voting is seen as a last chance to reverse course and punish the current crop of politicians, most of whom derive their power from Lebanon's sectarian political system and spoils taken at the end of its 15-year civil war in 1990. <\/p>\n<p>A new crop of candidates from the 2019 protest movement are running against the country\u2019s entrenched ruling class that is blamed for the economic collapse, hoping to unseat them.<\/p>\n<p>But they are divided and lack the money, experience and other advantages held by traditional political rulers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//embed//1934296/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The World Bank has described Lebanon's collapse as one of the world's worst in the past 150 years. <\/p>\n<p>But expectations for real change were low amid skepticism and widespread resignation that the vote was sure to bring back the same political parties.<\/p>\n<p>Mainstream political parties and politicians remained strong going into the vote, while opposition figures and civil society activists hoping to unseat them are fractured.<\/p>\n<p>Some 718 candidates on 103 lists are running for seats in the 128-member parliament.<\/p>\n<p>The vote is held once every four years. In 2018, voters gave the powerful Hezbollah and its allies the majority with 71 seats.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon has more than 3.5 million eligible voters, many of whom will cast their ballots in its 15 electoral districts.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, Lebanese living abroad cast their ballots in countries where they live.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1652608200,"publishedAt":1652609111,"updatedAt":1652609467,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/05\/15\/lebanon-election-voters-go-to-polls-to-choose-new-parliament-amid-economic-meltdown","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/70\/24\/02\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_db53eef3-b540-5fc0-b62a-8c0d5d8d207b-6702402.jpg","altText":"People line up to vote during parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon Sunday, May 15, 2022.","caption":"People line up to vote during parliamentary elections in Beirut, Lebanon Sunday, May 15, 2022.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hussein Malla","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":9287,"slug":"parliamentary-elections","urlSafeValue":"parliamentary-elections","title":"Parliamentary elections","titleRaw":"Parliamentary elections"},{"id":4988,"slug":"corruption","urlSafeValue":"corruption","title":"Corruption","titleRaw":"Corruption"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":21598,"slug":"lebanon-protests","urlSafeValue":"lebanon-protests","title":"Lebanon Protests","titleRaw":"Lebanon Protests"}],"related":[{"id":1934296},{"id":1622380},{"id":1622794}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"euronews","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AP with Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/05\/15\/lebanon-election-voters-go-to-polls-to-choose-new-parliament-amid-economic-meltdown","lastModified":1652609467},{"id":1910258,"cid":6644600,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220421_NWSU_46094423","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'neg_facebook','neg_facebook_2021','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gs_law','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gv_death_injury','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','neg_facebook_q4','gs_law_misc','gt_negative','gv_crime'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Wanted Portuguese man arrested in Chile over Beirut port explosion","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Wanted Portuguese man arrested in Chile over Beirut port explosion","titleListing2":"A Portuguese man wanted over the Beirut port explosion in 2020 has been arrested in Chile.","leadin":"The suspect is accused of bringing \"explosive elements\" into Lebanon ahead of the blast that devastated the port in August 2020.","summary":"The suspect is accused of bringing \"explosive elements\" into Lebanon ahead of the blast that devastated the port in August 2020.","keySentence":null,"url":"wanted-portuguese-man-arrested-in-chile-over-beirut-port-explosion","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A Portuguese man wanted in connection with the Beirut port explosion has been arrested by police in Chile. \n\nThe man had been wanted by Interpol and was detained after landing at Santiago airport on a flight from Spain. \n\nHe is accused of bringing \"explosive elements\" into Lebanon in connection with the deadly explosion in Beirut's port in August 2020. \n\nThe blast -- which killed at least 218 people -- was caused by a fire in a warehouse where hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years \"without precautionary measures\". \n\nLebanese authorities have been accused by NGOs and victims' relatives of stalling the investigation to avoid charges. \n\nIn January 2021, a judicial source told AFP that \"red notices\" had been issued against three people in connection with the explosion. \n\nThis reportedly included the owner and captain of the \"Rhosus\" ship that had brought the ammonium nitrate to Beirut, as well as a Portuguese businessman who ordered the shipment. \n\nAround 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was brought to the Lebanese capital in November 2013 on a Moldovan-flagged ship bound for Mozambique from Georgia. \n\nPort authorities had stored it in a dilapidated warehouse, while the ship eventually sank in 2018.","htmlText":"<p>A Portuguese man wanted in connection with the Beirut port explosion has been arrested by police in Chile.<\/p>\n<p>The man had been wanted by Interpol and was detained after landing at Santiago airport on a flight from Spain.<\/p>\n<p>He is accused of bringing \"explosive elements\" into Lebanon in connection with the deadly explosion in Beirut's port in August 2020.<\/p>\n<p>The blast -- which killed at least 218 people -- was caused by a fire in a warehouse where hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years \"without precautionary measures\".<\/p>\n<p>Lebanese authorities have been accused by NGOs and victims' relatives of stalling the investigation to avoid charges.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"4866298,4863568,4862872\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2020//08//04//massive-explosion-rocks-lebanese-capital-beirut-witness-footage-shows/">Beirut port blast: 'It's a disaster in every sense of the word', says minister, as dozens die<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2020//08//06//how-did-2-750-tonnes-of-ammonium-nitrate-make-it-to-the-port-of-beirut-thecube/">How did 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate make it to the Port of Beirut? | #TheCube<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2020//08//05//beirut-explosion-what-is-ammonium-nitrate-and-why-is-it-being-blamed-for-the-disaster/">Beirut explosion: What is ammonium nitrate and why is it being blamed for the disaster?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In January 2021, a judicial source told AFP that \"red notices\" had been issued against three people in connection with the explosion.<\/p>\n<p>This reportedly included the owner and captain of the \"Rhosus\" ship that had brought the ammonium nitrate to Beirut, as well as a Portuguese businessman who ordered the shipment.<\/p>\n<p>Around 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was brought to the Lebanese capital in November 2013 on a Moldovan-flagged ship bound for Mozambique from Georgia.<\/p>\n<p>Port authorities had stored it in a dilapidated warehouse, while the ship eventually sank in 2018.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1650553637,"publishedAt":1650559369,"updatedAt":1650559372,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/04\/21\/wanted-portuguese-man-arrested-in-chile-over-beirut-port-explosion","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/64\/46\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9774f06d-5acc-5ade-8a83-6fc4932ec7db-6644600.jpg","altText":"Rubble and debris near the silo that was destroyed by the massive explosion in Beirut's port.","caption":"Rubble and debris near the silo that was destroyed by the massive explosion in Beirut's port.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hussein Malla, File","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1373,"height":847}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":52,"slug":"chile","urlSafeValue":"chile","title":"Chile","titleRaw":"Chile"},{"id":231,"slug":"portugal","urlSafeValue":"portugal","title":"Portugal","titleRaw":"Portugal"},{"id":23904,"slug":"the-explosion-in-beirut-port","urlSafeValue":"the-explosion-in-beirut-port","title":"The explosion in Beirut Port","titleRaw":"The explosion in Beirut Port"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"}],"related":[{"id":1623708},{"id":1698124},{"id":1540916}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":0,"videos":[],"externalPartners":[],"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Euronews","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AFP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/2022\/04\/21\/wanted-portuguese-man-arrested-in-chile-over-beirut-port-explosion","lastModified":1650559372},{"id":1899036,"cid":6614658,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220418_S4SU_45957212","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"grapeshot":"'gs_event_eid','neg_nespresso','gs_society_religion','gs_society','gt_negative_fear','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','climatechange','neg_equinor','shadow9hu7_pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gt_negative','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"The Lebanese dynamic duo helping frontline workers this Ramadan","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"The Lebanese dynamic duo helping frontline workers this Ramadan","leadin":"\"The story of the crisis transformed our relationship with this country. These people in this country are heroes to sustain this current situation.\"","summary":"\"The story of the crisis transformed our relationship with this country. These people in this country are heroes to sustain this current situation.\"","keySentence":null,"url":"the-lebanese-dynamic-duo-helping-frontline-workers-this-ramadan","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories. \n\nZiad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad met through the NGO Ahla Fawda in Beirut. The duo share a passion for giving back to their home country of Lebanon. Ziad joined the team in 2014. \"I was a student, I wanted to volunteer and have some fun,\" he explains. \n\nLebanon's humanitarian needs grew tenfold as the country fell into a severe economic crisis. The original concept of Ahla Fawda was to beautify local spaces, create street festivals and host events in the community. The NGO had no choice but to provide broader services immediately after the Beirut Port explosion. Their new mission was fixing homes, feeding and providing necessities to those in need. \n\nLebanon's economic meltdown \n\n\"The Lebanese people face a lot, other than food and the electricity and the water and it's medication and education (they need). It's a big cluster of depression and anxiety and wanting to do something but not being able to,\" Leonardo tells Scenes. \"So everybody's in survival mode at the moment, including me. My survival medicine could be doing humanitarian work,\" he adds. \n\nLebanon's economic meltdown began in late 2019 and has left more than three-quarters of the country's six million people, including a million Syrian refugees, in poverty. In January 2022, the Lebanese pound hit a new low of 25,800 to the U.S. dollar, eradicating the purchasing power of most of its residents who are paid in Lebanese pounds. The recent financial crisis has been described as one of the worst since the 1850s. Government debt was estimated at 495 per cent of GDP in 2021, following a rapid economic contraction. \n\nCulture of Ramadan \n\nDuring the holy month of Ramadan, Ahla Fawda has increased its charitable work. Each month, the NGO usually distributes up to 250 food parcels across the country to vulnerable families. However, the need is even greater this year due to food shortages. The charity aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels during April to poverty-stricken areas. \n\nIn the blast's aftermath, the electricity plants could no longer afford to supply electricity 24 hours a day, and much of Lebanon became dark. \"Every Ramadan in Lebanon, you go to the Corniche and see the lights all over the trees and even in the middle of the streets. This gives the real spirit of Ramadan,\" says Leonardo. \"This year, we have an electricity crisis. We don't have any lights. We don't have any decorations,\" he adds. \n\nCivil Defence \n\nAhla Fawda will provide food parcels and create Iftar meals for the civil defence. The idea of the project is to support the families of those who are working voluntarily. \"They are in need. So, we're providing them food parcels that will last them for three to four weeks, for each family of four,\" explains Ziad. \n\nThe Lebanese civil defence is a public emergency service funded by the government. Due to the weak economy, funds are now scarce and the workers have become volunteers. The service members continue to work on the front lines, either by raising funds themselves or leaning on local NGOs, like Ahla Fawda for extra support. \n\n\"Most of the young people volunteering in the civil defence field are nurses and students and they're paying to sustain their centres,\" says Leonardo. \"People don't know the importance of the service but it is the civil defence that puts out the fires.\" \n\nBeirut port explosion \n\nThe civil defence was the first to arrive on the scene after the explosion at the Beirut port. They risked their lives to save people from the blast, from under the rubble of crumbling buildings. \n\n\"I have so many friends at the civil defence that work on the front lines. When I saw pictures of them helping and seeing how many hours they spent taking people out of the destroyed area, I was like, 'Guys, you need to be appreciated somehow',\" says Ziad. \n\nLeonardo and Ziad plan to stay focused, help as many people during Ramadan as possible and increase the number of donated food parcels. They say this is their way of giving back to their home country. \n\n\"The story of the crisis transformed our relationship with this country,\" says Ziad, who feels that the real heroes are the people that are trying to survive in difficult conditions during this Ramadan.","htmlText":"<p><strong>SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world that are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad met through the NGO Ahla Fawda in Beirut. The duo share a passion for giving back to their home country of Lebanon. Ziad joined the team in 2014. \"I was a student, I wanted to volunteer and have some fun,\" he explains.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6676300578034682\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Priyanka Navani\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x501_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x553_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x721_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x801_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1282_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad stand next to the port of Beirut, Lebanon<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Priyanka Navani<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lebanon's humanitarian needs grew tenfold as the country fell into a severe economic crisis. The original concept of Ahla Fawda was to beautify local spaces, create street festivals and host events in the community. The NGO had no choice but to provide broader services immediately after the Beirut Port explosion. Their new mission was fixing homes, feeding and providing necessities to those in need.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Ghassan Sebaaly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x500_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x552_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x720_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x800_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1280_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ahla Fawda aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels across Lebanon this Ramadan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Ghassan Sebaaly<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Lebanon's economic meltdown<\/h2><p>\"The Lebanese people face a lot, other than food and the electricity and the water and it's medication and education (they need). It's a big cluster of depression and anxiety and wanting to do something but not being able to,\" Leonardo tells Scenes. \"So everybody's in survival mode at the moment, including me. My survival medicine could be doing humanitarian work,\" he adds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Ghassan Sebaaly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x500_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x552_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x720_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x800_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1280_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Leonardo Moqdad with Ahla Fawda volunteers in Beirut, Lebanon<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Ghassan Sebaaly<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lebanon's economic meltdown began in late 2019 and has left more than three-quarters of the country's six million people, including a million Syrian refugees, in poverty. In January 2022, the Lebanese pound hit a new low of 25,800 to the U.S. dollar, eradicating the purchasing power of most of its residents who are paid in Lebanese pounds. The recent financial crisis has been described as one of the worst since the 1850s. Government debt was estimated at 495 per cent of GDP in 2021, following a rapid economic contraction.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x454_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Priyanka Navani\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x216_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x360_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x422_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x466_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x608_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x675_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1080_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ziad Daouk visiting an Ahla Fawda beneficiary in Beirut, Lebanon<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Priyanka Navani<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Culture of Ramadan<\/h2><p>During the holy month of Ramadan, Ahla Fawda has increased its charitable work. Each month, the NGO usually distributes up to 250 food parcels across the country to vulnerable families. However, the need is even greater this year due to food shortages. The charity aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels during April to poverty-stricken areas.<\/p>\n<p>In the blast's aftermath, the electricity plants could no longer afford to supply electricity 24 hours a day, and much of Lebanon became dark. \"Every Ramadan in Lebanon, you go to the Corniche and see the lights all over the trees and even in the middle of the streets. This gives the real spirit of Ramadan,\" says Leonardo. \"This year, we have an electricity crisis. We don't have any lights. We don't have any decorations,\" he adds.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6526120,6508864,6408476,6361312\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//02//28//the-alternative-schools-offering-new-horizons-to-children-in-malaysia/">The alternative schools offering new horizons to children in Malaysia<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//01//24//meet-the-rock-band-shining-a-light-on-the-people-of-gaza-s-struggles/">Meet the rock band shining a light on the people of Gaza's struggles<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//01//10//female-djs-step-up-and-break-taboos-in-tunisia/">Female DJs step up and break taboos in Tunisia<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2022//03//07//meet-the-nepali-teenagers-raising-awareness-on-human-trafficking/">Meet the Nepali teenagers raising awareness of human trafficking<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Civil Defence<\/h2><p>Ahla Fawda will provide food parcels and create Iftar meals for the civil defence. The idea of the project is to support the families of those who are working voluntarily. \"They are in need. So, we're providing them food parcels that will last them for three to four weeks, for each family of four,\" explains Ziad.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6676300578034682\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Ghassan Sebaaly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x501_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x553_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x721_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x801_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1282_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Lebanon\u2019s civil defence break their fast with food donations from Ahla Fawda in Beirut<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Ghassan Sebaaly<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Lebanese civil defence is a public emergency service funded by the government. Due to the weak economy, funds are now scarce and the workers have become volunteers. The service members continue to work on the front lines, either by raising funds themselves or leaning on local NGOs, like Ahla Fawda for extra support.<\/p>\n<p>\"Most of the young people volunteering in the civil defence field are nurses and students and they're paying to sustain their centres,\" says Leonardo. \"People don't know the importance of the service but it is the civil defence that puts out the fires.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6676300578034682\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Ghassan Sebaaly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x501_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x553_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x721_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x801_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1282_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ziad Daouk at an Iftar held by Ahla Fawda for Lebanon's civil defence in Beirut<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Ghassan Sebaaly<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Beirut port explosion<\/h2><p>The civil defence was the first to arrive on the scene after the explosion at the Beirut port. They risked their lives to save people from the blast, from under the rubble of crumbling buildings.<\/p>\n<p>\"I have so many friends at the civil defence that work on the front lines. When I saw pictures of them helping and seeing how many hours they spent taking people out of the destroyed area, I was like, 'Guys, you need to be appreciated somehow',\" says Ziad.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6679245283018868\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//61//46//58//808x539_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg/" alt=\"Ghassan Sebaaly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/384x256_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/640x427_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/750x501_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/828x553_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1080x721_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1200x802_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/1920x1282_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The port of Beirut, April 2022, Lebanon<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Ghassan Sebaaly<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Leonardo and Ziad plan to stay focused, help as many people during Ramadan as possible and increase the number of donated food parcels. They say this is their way of giving back to their home country.<\/p>\n<p>\"The story of the crisis transformed our relationship with this country,\" says Ziad, who feels that the real heroes are the people that are trying to survive in difficult conditions during this Ramadan.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1649787783,"publishedAt":1650299423,"updatedAt":1650363901,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/04\/18\/the-lebanese-dynamic-duo-helping-frontline-workers-this-ramadan","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_10d3c0ac-cc88-5b6a-9f32-a02babc639e0-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad stand next to the ruins of The Port of Beirut, Lebanon","caption":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad stand next to the ruins of The Port of Beirut, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4240,"height":2832},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_27f3240d-0eed-5a6f-aeb1-13af22f4da1f-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad stand next to the port of Beirut, Lebanon","caption":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad stand next to the port of Beirut, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Priyanka Navani","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2768,"height":1848},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8fed6e04-2b03-5d4d-8149-da81df94a98e-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ziad Daouk visiting an Ahla Fawda beneficiary in Beirut, Lebanon","caption":"Ziad Daouk visiting an Ahla Fawda beneficiary in Beirut, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Priyanka Navani","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3840,"height":2160},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0cb5ab01-1413-5667-84eb-e03fcc759aed-6614658.jpg","altText":"Leonardo Moqdad with Ahla Fawda volunteers in Beirut, Lebanon","caption":"Leonardo Moqdad with Ahla Fawda volunteers in Beirut, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2430,"height":1620},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_eb69dfb1-1441-541a-a0e1-19deff1390ab-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ziad Daouk at an Iftar held by Ahla Fawda for Lebanon's civil defence in Beirut","caption":"Ziad Daouk at an Iftar held by Ahla Fawda for Lebanon's civil defence in Beirut","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2768,"height":1848},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_83c9444a-c726-51cc-a67f-2038b50e021f-6614658.jpg","altText":"Lebanon\u2019s civil defence break their fast with food donations from Ahla Fawda in Beirut","caption":"Lebanon\u2019s civil defence break their fast with food donations from Ahla Fawda in Beirut","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2768,"height":1848},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c6d96bf4-1001-52d2-ae91-342d9478d8ac-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ahla Fawda aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels across Lebanon this Ramadan","caption":"Ahla Fawda aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels across Lebanon this Ramadan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3240,"height":2160},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_405417c7-5188-5904-bd7c-6d12b7835f8a-6614658.jpg","altText":"The Port of Beirut, April 2022, Lebanon","caption":"The Port of Beirut, April 2022, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ghassan Sebaaly","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4240,"height":2832},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_22a6609b-b7aa-5641-8f23-fc37ee099906-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ahla Fawda aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels during Ramadan in Beirut, Lebanon.","caption":"Ahla Fawda aims to deliver 1,000 food parcels during Ramadan in Beirut, Lebanon.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Priyanka Navani","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1630,"height":1078},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f5253978-8619-5778-bde3-7e757661b5cd-6614658.jpg","altText":"Leonardo Moqdad unloads Ramadan food parcels in Beirut, Lebanon","caption":"Leonardo Moqdad unloads Ramadan food parcels in Beirut, Lebanon","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Priyanka Navani","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1720,"height":1077},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0960960b-b114-5b7b-a2a6-051099f2ef13-6614658.jpg","altText":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad met through the NGO Ahla Fawda in Beirut.","caption":"Ziad Daouk and Leonardo Moqdad met through the NGO Ahla Fawda in Beirut.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Priyanka Navani","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2471,"height":1649},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2e2ed1bf-22a0-5ce6-8d8d-c03c42669293-6614658.jpg","altText":"test","caption":"test","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ziad Daouk, Leonardo Moqdad","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1237,"height":825},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/61\/46\/58\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5445de09-d9c0-5f5a-9474-86f7b493af68-6614658.jpg","altText":"Port of Beirut following the 4 August 2020 explosion.","caption":"Port of Beirut following the 4 August 2020 explosion.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ziad Daouk, Leonardo Moqdad","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1211,"height":809}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"thompson-r","title":"Rosie-Lyse Thompson","twitter":""}],"producers":[{"urlSafeValue":"zahan","title":"Nazneen Zahan","twitter":""}],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":8733,"slug":"ramadan","urlSafeValue":"ramadan","title":"Ramadan","titleRaw":"Ramadan"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":15456,"slug":"oruc","urlSafeValue":"oruc","title":"Ramadan fasting","titleRaw":"Ramadan fasting"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"},{"id":13070,"slug":"charity","urlSafeValue":"charity","title":"charity","titleRaw":"charity"},{"id":23206,"slug":"breaking-of-ramadan-fast","urlSafeValue":"breaking-of-ramadan-fast","title":"breaking of Ramadan fast","titleRaw":"breaking of Ramadan fast"}],"related":[{"id":1838182},{"id":2129092}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.media-city"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"editorial.qatar-scenes"},{"path":"editorial"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":7},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S4\/SU\/22\/04\/18\/en\/220418_S4SU_45957212_45957213_368880_114650_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"368880","filesizeBytes":36227321,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S4\/SU\/22\/04\/18\/en\/220418_S4SU_45957212_45957213_368880_114650_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"368880","filesizeBytes":60080023,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8a4zhh","youtubeId":"pfiCB5dP9YI"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"Usman Lone","additionalReporting":"Priyanka Navani","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"scenes","urlSafeValue":"scenes","title":"Scenes","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/scenes"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-series","urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture Series","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":55,"urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture-series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1630511520,"endDate":2114355123,"type":"sponsored","isDfp":0,"slug":"Scenes","title":"Media City - Qatar","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Media City","sponsorName":"Scenes","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/410\/300x114_cmsv2_34d67838-9191-52a0-9a53-1c81081387b0-410.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/04\/18\/the-lebanese-dynamic-duo-helping-frontline-workers-this-ramadan","lastModified":1650363901},{"id":1881848,"cid":6573950,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220327_NCSU_45689966","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_politics_misc','neg_mobkoi_multiple_lng_ar','gs_politics','gs_entertain','gs_entertain_arts','gt_negative_anger','gt_negative','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Ukrainians and Lebanese rally against Russia invasion in Beirut","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Ukrainians and Lebanese rally against Russia invasion in Beirut","leadin":"Ukrainian citizens living in Lebanon and supporters rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.","summary":"Ukrainian citizens living in Lebanon and supporters rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.","keySentence":null,"url":"ukrainians-and-lebanese-rally-against-russia-invasion-in-beirut","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Ukrainian citizens living in Lebanon and supporters rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.","htmlText":"<p>Ukrainian citizens living in Lebanon and supporters rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1648394038,"publishedAt":1648410329,"updatedAt":1648410336,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/03\/27\/ukrainians-and-lebanese-rally-against-russia-invasion-in-beirut","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/57\/39\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0af40e5d-122f-508b-a87c-eb84ea109957-6573966.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"\u062d\u0633\u064a\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0644\u0627\/\u0623 \u0628","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3840,"height":2560}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"marcaud","title":"Jean-Christophe Marcaud","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":26330,"slug":"ukraine-russia-border-crisis","urlSafeValue":"ukraine-russia-border-crisis","title":"Russia's invasion of Ukraine","titleRaw":"Russia's invasion of Ukraine"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":16316,"slug":"solidarity","urlSafeValue":"solidarity","title":"solidarity","titleRaw":"solidarity"},{"id":4378,"slug":"protest","urlSafeValue":"protest","title":"Protest","titleRaw":"Protest"},{"id":13520,"slug":"peace","urlSafeValue":"peace","title":"Peace","titleRaw":"Peace"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/03\/27\/en\/220327_NCSU_45689966_45690095_60000_172528_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":5877273,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/03\/27\/en\/220327_NCSU_45689966_45690095_60000_172528_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":9838362,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x89fbr6","youtubeId":"Dkb5kLYAdfE"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2022\/03\/27\/ukrainians-and-lebanese-rally-against-russia-invasion-in-beirut","lastModified":1648410336},{"id":1823330,"cid":6436922,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220128_NCSU_44734969","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_science','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','neg_facebook_q4','gv_safe'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":8},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Snow in Lebanon as cold front intensifies","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Snow in Lebanon as cold front intensifies","leadin":"The town of Chebaa is used to snow in January but a recent storm, which has blanketed most of Lebanon, has left the town with snowfall the town hasn't been seen in a decade.","summary":"The town of Chebaa is used to snow in January but a recent storm, which has blanketed most of Lebanon, has left the town with snowfall the town hasn't been seen in a decade.","keySentence":null,"url":"snow-in-lebanon-as-cold-front-intensifies","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The town of Chebaa is used to snow in January but a recent storm, which has blanketed most of Lebanon, has left the town with snowfall the town hasn't been seen in a decade. \n\nSnow trucks struggle to keep up with the amount of snow, leading many mountainous roads in Lebanon closed due to the weather. \n\nA winter storm has been battering the eastern Mediterranean, bringing heavy rains and wind to the Middle East this past week. \n\nTemperatures reached below 0 Celsius in some parts of the Middle East.","htmlText":"<p>The town of Chebaa is used to snow in January but a recent storm, which has blanketed most of Lebanon, has left the town with snowfall the town hasn't been seen in a decade.<\/p>\n<p>Snow trucks struggle to keep up with the amount of snow, leading many mountainous roads in Lebanon closed due to the weather.<\/p>\n<p>A winter storm has been battering the eastern Mediterranean, bringing heavy rains and wind to the Middle East this past week.<\/p>\n<p>Temperatures reached below 0 Celsius in some parts of the Middle East.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1643391665,"publishedAt":1643392432,"updatedAt":1643392438,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2022\/01\/28\/snow-in-lebanon-as-cold-front-intensifies","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/43\/69\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cb558c1a-d7fd-5035-bd0f-89b01e11b3aa-6436922.jpg","altText":"Snow in Lebanon as cold front intensifies","caption":"Snow in Lebanon as cold front intensifies","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":9399,"slug":"snow-storm","urlSafeValue":"snow-storm","title":"Snow storm","titleRaw":"Snow storm"},{"id":10155,"slug":"storm","urlSafeValue":"storm","title":"Storm","titleRaw":"Storm"},{"id":10771,"slug":"road-accident","urlSafeValue":"road-accident","title":"Road accident","titleRaw":"Road accident"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/01\/28\/en\/220128_NCSU_44734969_44735122_60000_184955_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":6352407,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/22\/01\/28\/en\/220128_NCSU_44734969_44735122_60000_184955_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":10182978,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x87e3ht","youtubeId":"-_LoG4AxYN4"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"APTN","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2022\/01\/28\/snow-in-lebanon-as-cold-front-intensifies","lastModified":1643392438},{"id":1812594,"cid":6404606,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":"220121_S5SU_44613202","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'gs_entertain_arts','gs_entertain','gv_death_injury','neg_facebook','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','gt_mixed','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','eap-gs-homerfaber-fs-30july19','neg_facebook_2021','neg_saudiaramco','gt_negative_sadness','neg_bucherer'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Beirut exhibition displays restored art after 2020 port blast","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Beirut exhibition displays restored art after 2020 port blast","titleListing2":"Art destroyed by Beirut 2020 port explosion back on display after restoration project","leadin":"At the Beirut Museum of Art, a collection of restored Lebanese paintings, once destroyed by the 2020 port explosion, have gone back on display","summary":"At the Beirut Museum of Art, a collection of restored Lebanese paintings, once destroyed by the 2020 port explosion, have gone back on display","keySentence":null,"url":"beirut-exhibition-displays-restored-art-after-2020-port-blast","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Art once destroyed by the Beirut port explosion of 2020 is back on display at the Beirut Museum of Art, as a result of a UNESCO restoration initiative. \n\nThe collection features 17 restored paintings, all of which were created by Lebanese artists. \n\nMichele Haddad, the director of the Beirut Museum of Art explains that \"most of the paintings were torn so the team working on the restoration had to work with precision\". \n\nThe explosion which left Beirut in ruins \n\nThe catastrophic explosion in Lebanon's capital city on August 4 2020, occurred when 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in the customs area at Beirut's port district exploded. \n\nThe explosion caused 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries and extensive damage over much of the city. \n\nThe blast displaced 300,000 people and caused widespread destruction and devastation. \n\nIt is considered one of the most powerful artificial non-nuclear explosions in history. \n\nReviving arts and culture in Lebanon \n\nThe blast tore through major art galleries, including the Marfa Gallery and the Galerie Tanit, and many other beloved cultural sites - damaging buildings up to 20km away from the port. \n\nThe restored collection at the Beirut Museum of Art features work from Paul Guiragossian, Hussein Madi and Jamil Molaeb. \n\nThe director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Beirut, Costanza Farina, stresses the importance of reviving art and culture in Lebanon. \n\n\"This exhibition is a miracle and I hope many other partners will be inspired to invest on art, culture and cultural heritage,\" she explains. \n\nCheck out the video above for a look inside the restored Lebanese collection","htmlText":"<p>Art once destroyed by the Beirut port explosion of 2020 is back on display at the Beirut Museum of Art, as a result of a UNESCO restoration initiative.<\/p>\n<p>The collection features 17 restored paintings, all of which were created by Lebanese artists.<\/p>\n<p>Michele Haddad, the director of the Beirut Museum of Art explains that \"most of the paintings were torn so the team working on the restoration had to work with precision\".<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"6289936,6295146\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2021//12//09//priceless-rembrandt-painting-to-be-stretched-to-reverse-deformations/">Priceless Rembrandt painting to be stretched to reverse deformations<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2021//12//10//chopin-s-last-piano-gets-its-19th-century-magic-back/">Chopin's last piano gets its 19th century magic back<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>The explosion which left Beirut in ruins<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//40//46//06//808x454_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg/" alt=\"AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/384x216_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/640x360_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/750x422_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/828x466_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1080x608_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1200x675_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1920x1080_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A picture showing the scene of the explosion at the port in the Lebanese capital Beirut<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The catastrophic explosion in Lebanon's capital city on August 4 2020, occurred when 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in the customs area at Beirut's port district exploded.<\/p>\n<p>The explosion caused 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries and extensive damage over much of the city.<\/p>\n<p>The blast displaced 300,000 people and caused widespread destruction and devastation.<\/p>\n<p>It is considered one of the most powerful artificial non-nuclear explosions in history.<\/p>\n<h2>Reviving arts and culture in Lebanon<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//40//46//06//808x539_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg/" alt=\"Anwar Amro/AFP\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/384x256_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/640x427_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/750x500_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/828x552_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1080x720_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1200x800_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/1920x1280_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A woman looks at a painting by Lebanese artist, Paul Guiragossian<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Anwar Amro/AFP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The blast tore through major art galleries, including the Marfa Gallery and the Galerie Tanit, and many other beloved cultural sites - damaging buildings up to 20km away from the port.<\/p>\n<p>The restored collection at the Beirut Museum of Art features work from Paul Guiragossian, Hussein Madi and Jamil Molaeb.<\/p>\n<p>The director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Beirut, Costanza Farina, stresses the importance of reviving art and culture in Lebanon.<\/p>\n<p>\"This exhibition is a miracle and I hope many other partners will be inspired to invest on art, culture and cultural heritage,\" she explains.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check out the video above for a look inside the restored Lebanese collection<\/strong><\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1642774230,"publishedAt":1642778075,"updatedAt":1642786310,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2022\/01\/21\/beirut-exhibition-displays-restored-art-after-2020-port-blast","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_73c4f93c-1375-5cc1-b0e3-2f1a6a5973cc-6404606.jpg","altText":"A restored collection of paintings at the Beirut Museum of Art hopes to inspire a revival of arts and culture in Lebanon after the devastation of the 2020 port explosion","caption":"A restored collection of paintings at the Beirut Museum of Art hopes to inspire a revival of arts and culture in Lebanon after the devastation of the 2020 port explosion","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Anwar Amro\/AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":5472,"height":3648},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b90a3889-0442-580f-b2d4-87cb5b850fbb-6404606.jpg","altText":"A woman looks at a painting by Lebanese artist, Paul Guiragossian","caption":"A woman looks at a painting by Lebanese artist, Paul Guiragossian","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Anwar Amro\/AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":5472,"height":3648},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/40\/46\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f12750a8-e24b-5838-8f04-e24f2e7eac67-6404606.jpg","altText":"A picture showing the scene of the explosion at the port in the Lebanese capital Beirut","caption":"A picture showing the scene of the explosion at the port in the Lebanese capital Beirut","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"farrant","title":"Theo Farrant","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":9813,"slug":"video","urlSafeValue":"video","title":"Video","titleRaw":"Video"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"},{"id":4143,"slug":"art","urlSafeValue":"art","title":"Art","titleRaw":"Art"},{"id":19202,"slug":"restoration","urlSafeValue":"restoration","title":"Restoration","titleRaw":"Restoration"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"}],"related":[{"id":1801930},{"id":1621038},{"id":1823752}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S5\/SU\/22\/01\/21\/en\/220121_S5SU_44613202_44613214_75960_160625_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"75960","filesizeBytes":7324720,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S5\/SU\/22\/01\/21\/en\/220121_S5SU_44613202_44613214_75960_160625_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"75960","filesizeBytes":12173092,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x878wmr","youtubeId":"tgxsSGrGYdA"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AFP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see\/see"},"vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"see","urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/see"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":48,"urlSafeValue":"see","title":"See"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/culture\/2022\/01\/21\/beirut-exhibition-displays-restored-art-after-2020-port-blast","lastModified":1642786310},{"id":1722522,"cid":6204060,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"211104_NCSU_43407433","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_facebook_2021','neg_facebook','neg_facebook_q4','gt_negative','gs_politics','gs_politics_misc','gs_law_misc','gs_law','gs_society_misc','gt_negative_sadness','gs_society','gv_death_injury'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Families of Beirut blast victims protest interference in probe","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Families of Beirut blast victims protest interference in probe","titleListing2":"Families of Beirut blast victims protest interference in probe","leadin":"Families of victims killed in the deadly Beirut blast mark 15 months since the explosion, protesting continued political interference in the probe into the disaster.","summary":"Families of victims killed in the deadly Beirut blast mark 15 months since the explosion, protesting continued political interference in the probe into the disaster.","keySentence":null,"url":"families-of-beirut-blast-victims-protest-interference-in-probe","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Families of victims killed in the deadly Beirut blast mark 15 months since the explosion, protesting continued political interference in the probe into the disaster. \n\n\nThe Lebanese judge leading investigations into last year's Beirut port blast was forced to stop work\u00a0 over a lawsuit filed by an ex-minister he had summoned for interrogation. \n\nTarek Bitar was informed of a \"lawsuit submitted by former public works minister Youssef Fenianos... which forced him to pause the probe until a ruling is issued\", a court official told AFP on condition of anonymity. \n\nIt is the third time that Bitar has had to suspend his probe in the face of lawsuits filed by former ministers suspected of negligence over the August 2020 explosion. \n\nThe total number of lawsuits filed against Bitar now stands at 15, according to judicial sources. \n\nThe latest comes amid a campaign led by the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah demanding Bitar's replacement over allegations of \"bias\" that have been widely dismissed by rights groups and families of blast victims. \n\nThe Shiite group's representatives in government have said they will boycott cabinet meetings until it takes a clear stand on demands to replace Bitar. \n\nThe cabinet, as a result, has failed to hold a single session in three weeks. \n\nPrime Minister Najib Mikati condemned attempts to force his government to intervene in judicial affairs, in a thinly veiled criticism of Hezbollah. \n\nHuman rights groups and victims' relatives fear the repeated suspensions are a prelude to Bitar's removal, which would further derail the official inquiry into Lebanon's worst peace-time tragedy. \n\nBitar's predecessor, Fadi Sawan, was forced to suspend his probe for the same reason before he was finally removed in February, in a move widely condemned as political interference.","htmlText":"<p>Families of victims killed in the deadly Beirut blast mark 15 months since the explosion, protesting continued political interference in the probe into the disaster. <\/p>\n<p>The Lebanese judge leading investigations into last year's Beirut port blast was forced to stop work\u00a0 over a lawsuit filed by an ex-minister he had summoned for interrogation.<\/p>\n<p>Tarek Bitar was informed of a \"lawsuit submitted by former public works minister Youssef Fenianos... which forced him to pause the probe until a ruling is issued\", a court official told AFP on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>It is the third time that Bitar has had to suspend his probe in the face of lawsuits filed by former ministers suspected of negligence over the August 2020 explosion.<\/p>\n<p>The total number of lawsuits filed against Bitar now stands at 15, according to judicial sources.<\/p>\n<p>The latest comes amid a campaign led by the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah demanding Bitar's replacement over allegations of \"bias\" that have been widely dismissed by rights groups and families of blast victims.<\/p>\n<p>The Shiite group's representatives in government have said they will boycott cabinet meetings until it takes a clear stand on demands to replace Bitar.<\/p>\n<p>The cabinet, as a result, has failed to hold a single session in three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned attempts to force his government to intervene in judicial affairs, in a thinly veiled criticism of Hezbollah.<\/p>\n<p>Human rights groups and victims' relatives fear the repeated suspensions are a prelude to Bitar's removal, which would further derail the official inquiry into Lebanon's worst peace-time tragedy.<\/p>\n<p>Bitar's predecessor, Fadi Sawan, was forced to suspend his probe for the same reason before he was finally removed in February, in a move widely condemned as political interference.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1636052900,"publishedAt":1636053795,"updatedAt":1636053798,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2021\/11\/04\/families-of-beirut-blast-victims-protest-interference-in-probe","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/20\/40\/60\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c542e32f-6ea1-5e65-ad9f-bb1a3fa20ba2-6204060.jpg","altText":"woman holding a photo of a loved one killed in the Beirut port blast.","caption":"woman holding a photo of a loved one killed in the Beirut port blast.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"pitiot","title":"Christophe Pitiot","twitter":""}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"urlSafeValue":"pitiot","title":"Christophe Pitiot","twitter":""}]},"keywords":[{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":5555,"slug":"victims","urlSafeValue":"victims","title":"Victims","titleRaw":"Victims"},{"id":8641,"slug":"inquiry","urlSafeValue":"inquiry","title":"Inquiry","titleRaw":"Inquiry"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/21\/11\/04\/en\/211104_NCSU_43407433_43407589_60000_201739_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":5855685,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/21\/11\/04\/en\/211104_NCSU_43407433_43407589_60000_201739_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":9812230,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x85ak0e","youtubeId":"aQvcWT8DTQk"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":506,"urlSafeValue":"beirut-lebanon","title":"Beirut, Lebanon"},"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2021\/11\/04\/families-of-beirut-blast-victims-protest-interference-in-probe","lastModified":1636053798},{"id":1698244,"cid":6146322,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"211014_NCSU_43067254","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_facebook','gv_arms','neg_citi_campaign','neg_mobkoi_feb2021'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":6},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Gunfire exchanges in streets of Beirut wounding several","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Gunfire exchanges in streets of Beirut wounding several","leadin":"The Lebanese army are deployed in the streets of Beirut as gun fire exchanges turn the capital into a war zone a few blocks from the Justice Palace, where hundreds of black-clad protesters had gathered to demand the removal of judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator in the port blast","summary":"The Lebanese army are deployed in the streets of Beirut as gun fire exchanges turn the capital into a war zone a few blocks from the Justice Palace, where hundreds of black-clad protesters had gathered to demand the removal of judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator in the port blast","keySentence":null,"url":"gunfire-exchanges-in-streets-of-beirut-wounding-several","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Gunfire killed two people and wounded 12 at a Beirut rally organised by the Shiite Hezbollah and Amal movements Thursday to demand the dismissal of the Beirut blast lead investigator, a doctor said. \n\nOne man died of a gun shot to the head and the other of a shot to the chest, said Mariam Hassan of the Sahel Hospital in Beirut's mainly Shiite southern suburbs. \n\nTwelve wounded are in critical condition, the doctor said, reporting a continued influx of casualties. \n\nAFP correspondents in the area heard heavy gunfire. \n\nLebanese television broadcast images of men carrying rifles and heavy weaponry. \n\nIn a follow-up statement, the military warned that it would open fire at anyone firing live rounds, calling on civilians to evacuate the area. \n\nPrime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm to be restored and warned against attempts to drag Lebanon into violence.","htmlText":"<p>Gunfire killed two people and wounded 12 at a Beirut rally organised by the Shiite Hezbollah and Amal movements Thursday to demand the dismissal of the Beirut blast lead investigator, a doctor said.<\/p>\n<p>One man died of a gun shot to the head and the other of a shot to the chest, said Mariam Hassan of the Sahel Hospital in Beirut's mainly Shiite southern suburbs.<\/p>\n<p>Twelve wounded are in critical condition, the doctor said, reporting a continued influx of casualties.<\/p>\n<p>AFP correspondents in the area heard heavy gunfire.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanese television broadcast images of men carrying rifles and heavy weaponry.<\/p>\n<p>In a follow-up statement, the military warned that it would open fire at anyone firing live rounds, calling on civilians to evacuate the area.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm to be restored and warned against attempts to drag Lebanon into violence.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1634221583,"publishedAt":1634226931,"updatedAt":1634226936,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2021\/10\/14\/gunfire-exchanges-in-streets-of-beirut-wounding-several","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/63\/22\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8eaddabf-42a1-5797-ba16-4100bda0a7ee-6146322.jpg","altText":"Man carrying a wounded woman","caption":"Man carrying a wounded woman","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":1724,"slug":"bayreuth","urlSafeValue":"bayreuth","title":"Bayreuth","titleRaw":"Bayreuth"},{"id":7950,"slug":"shootings","urlSafeValue":"shootings","title":"Shootings","titleRaw":"Shootings"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/21\/10\/14\/en\/211014_NCSU_43067254_43067794_60000_164335_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":6498599,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/21\/10\/14\/en\/211014_NCSU_43067254_43067794_60000_164335_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"60000","filesizeBytes":10490049,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x84uy3p","youtubeId":"S8HqIlLyOSA"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AFP","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"no comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":[],"versions":[],"path":"\/video\/2021\/10\/14\/gunfire-exchanges-in-streets-of-beirut-wounding-several","lastModified":1634226936},{"id":1698124,"cid":6146020,"versionId":4,"archive":0,"housenumber":"211014_WBSU_43064352","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"grapeshot":"'neg_facebook','neg_facebook_2021','neg_citi_campaign','castrol_negative_uk','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gs_society_misc','gs_society','gv_death_injury'","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Deadly clashes in Beirut after protests against port explosion judge","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Deadly clashes in Beirut after protests against port explosion judge","titleListing2":"Deadly clashes in Beirut after protests against port explosion judge","leadin":"At least five people have been shot dead in Beirut during a demonstration against the judge investigating last year's deadly port explosion.","summary":"At least five people have been shot dead in Beirut during a demonstration against the judge investigating last year's deadly port explosion.","keySentence":null,"url":"deadly-clashes-in-beirut-after-protests-against-port-explosion-judge","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Six people have been killed in clashes in Beirut over last year's devastating port explosion. \n\nViolence erupted during a protest organised by the militant group Hezbollah and its allies against the lead judge probing the blast. \n\nAt least six people were killed and dozens wounded in some of the deadliest fighting in years, authorities said. \n\nGunfire echoed in the capital for several hours and ambulances, sirens wailing, rushed to pick up casualties. \n\nImages on social media showed local schoolchildren hiding under their desks or gathered on the floor outside classrooms. \n\nTensions were high in Lebanon after the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its Shiite allies from the Amal Movement demanded the removal of the judge leading the investigation into last year's Beirut port explosion. \n\nThe two parties called for a protest near the Justice Palace, along a former civil war front line between Muslim Shiite and Christian areas. \n\nThe right-wing Christian Lebanese Forces also mobilised supporters on Wednesday evening \n\nIn a statement on Thursday, the two groups said their protesters came under fire from snipers deployed over rooftops in the Tayouneh area. \n\nThe subsequent armed clashes with the worst in Lebanon since 2008, when the Shiite Hezbollah briefly overran parts of Beirut. \n\nLebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed for calm and urged people \"not to be dragged into civil strife\". \n\nThe investigation into last year's explosion in Beirut focuses on hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrates that had been improperly stored at a port warehouse. \n\nThe explosion on August 4 killed at least 214 people, injured thousands, and several districts of the capital. \n\nThe blast further devastated a country already roiled by political divisions and unprecedented economic and financial meltdown. \n\nThe authorities have been accused by the victims' families of criminal negligence and refusing any international investigation. \n\nJudge Tarek Bitar -- the second to lead the investigation into the explosion -- has been accused of singling out politicians for questioning, most of them allied with Hezbollah. \n\nNone of Hezbollah's officials have so far been charged in the 14-month-old probe. All have denied any wrongdoing.","htmlText":"<p>Six people have been killed in clashes in Beirut over last year's devastating port explosion.<\/p>\n<p>Violence erupted during a protest organised by the militant group Hezbollah and its allies against the lead judge probing the blast.<\/p>\n<p>At least six people were killed and dozens wounded in some of the deadliest fighting in years, authorities said.<\/p>\n<p>Gunfire echoed in the capital for several hours and ambulances, sirens wailing, rushed to pick up casualties.<\/p>\n<p>Images on social media showed local schoolchildren hiding under their desks or gathered on the floor outside classrooms.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5531850\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//04//06//what-s-happening-in-lebanon-matters-to-europe-here-s-why/">What's happening in Lebanon matters to Europe. Here's why<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tensions were high in Lebanon after the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its Shiite allies from the Amal Movement demanded the removal of the judge leading the investigation into last year's Beirut port explosion.<\/p>\n<p>The two parties called for a protest near the Justice Palace, along a former civil war front line between Muslim Shiite and Christian areas.<\/p>\n<p>The right-wing Christian Lebanese Forces also mobilised supporters on Wednesday evening<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6664355062413315\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//06//14//60//20//808x539_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg/" alt=\"AP Photo/Hussein Malla\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/384x256_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/640x427_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/750x500_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/828x552_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/1080x720_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/1200x800_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/1920x1280_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Lebanese army special forces soldiers assist teachers as they flee their school after the deadly clashes.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo/Hussein Malla<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In a statement on Thursday, the two groups said their protesters came under fire from snipers deployed over rooftops in the Tayouneh area.<\/p>\n<p>The subsequent armed clashes with the worst in Lebanon since 2008, when the Shiite Hezbollah briefly overran parts of Beirut.<\/p>\n<p>Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed for calm and urged people \"not to be dragged into civil strife\".<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5955202\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//08//04//parents-of-beirut-blast-victim-3-still-seeking-justice-one-year-on/">Parents of Beirut blast victim, 3, still seeking justice one year on<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The investigation into last year's explosion in Beirut focuses on hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrates that had been improperly stored at a port warehouse.<\/p>\n<p>The explosion on August 4 killed at least 214 people, injured thousands, and several districts of the capital.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//embed//1175390/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The blast further devastated a country already roiled by political divisions and unprecedented economic and financial meltdown.<\/p>\n<p>The authorities have been accused by the victims' families of criminal negligence and refusing any international investigation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//embed//1621038/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Judge Tarek Bitar -- the second to lead the investigation into the explosion -- has been accused of singling out politicians for questioning, most of them allied with Hezbollah.<\/p>\n<p>None of Hezbollah's officials have so far been charged in the 14-month-old probe. All have denied any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1634214599,"publishedAt":1634219238,"updatedAt":1634289793,"expiresAt":0,"canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2021\/10\/14\/deadly-clashes-in-beirut-after-protests-against-port-explosion-judge","programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c41c434b-63f0-589b-b7c2-42c381a9fe00-6146020.jpg","altText":"Lebanese army soldiers stand guard protesters burn garbage containers to block a road in Beirut.","caption":"Lebanese army soldiers stand guard protesters burn garbage containers to block a road in Beirut.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Bilal Hussein","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1448,"height":931},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/14\/60\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8a286bd1-1593-57c1-91ae-3cdba2f8e5f3-6146020.jpg","altText":"Lebanese army special forces soldiers assist teachers as they flee their school after the deadly clashes.","caption":"Lebanese army special forces soldiers assist teachers as they flee their school after the deadly clashes.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hussein Malla","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1442,"height":961}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":1726,"slug":"beirut","urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut","titleRaw":"Beirut"},{"id":168,"slug":"lebanon","urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","titleRaw":"Lebanon"},{"id":21598,"slug":"lebanon-protests","urlSafeValue":"lebanon-protests","title":"Lebanon Protests","titleRaw":"Lebanon Protests"},{"id":23896,"slug":"beirut-explosion","urlSafeValue":"beirut-explosion","title":"Beirut explosion","titleRaw":"Beirut explosion"},{"id":23904,"slug":"the-explosion-in-beirut-port","urlSafeValue":"the-explosion-in-beirut-port","title":"The explosion in Beirut Port","titleRaw":"The explosion in Beirut Port"},{"id":9123,"slug":"hezbollah","urlSafeValue":"hezbollah","title":"Hezbollah","titleRaw":"Hezbollah"}],"related":[{"id":1492388},{"id":1682904},{"id":1910258}],"technicalTags":[],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"euronews","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":{"quotation":null,"description":null,"author":null},"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":null,"contentType":null,"displayOverlay":0},"displayType":"default","video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/WB\/WB\/21\/10\/15\/en\/211015_WBWB_43077830_43077756_104920_110454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"104920","filesizeBytes":10462123,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/WB\/WB\/21\/10\/15\/en\/211015_WBWB_43077830_43077756_104920_110454_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":"104920","filesizeBytes":17347233,"expiresAt":0}],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x84v22q","youtubeId":"yWJxnc323pM"},"liveStream":[],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Euronews","additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":"AP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"isDfp":0,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":""},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":168,"urlSafeValue":"lebanon","title":"Lebanon","url":"\/news\/asia\/lebanon"},"town":{"id":1726,"urlSafeValue":"beirut","title":"Beirut"},"versions":[],"path":"\/2021\/10\/14\/deadly-clashes-in-beirut-after-protests-against-port-explosion-judge","lastModified":1634289793}]" data-api-url="/api/country/lebanon">
More about this topic
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Daylight savings dispute leaves Lebanon with two time zones
What time is it in Lebanon? The answer differs depending on who you ask, as the government delayed daylight savings time by a month.
26/03/2023
Now playing Next
no comment
Watch: Protests in Lebanon as lira hits new low against dollar
Protests in Lebanon as the value of the Lira against the dollar drops to a new low, and the nation deals with the worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history.
24/03/2023
Now playing Next
no comment
Watch: Retired army members clash with security forces in Lebanon
Watch: Lebanese security forces fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters, mainly retired members of the army, in downtown Beirut.
23/03/2023
Now playing Next
no comment
Protestors in Beirut demand reforms as currency tumbles
Lebanon's currency has lost more than 90 per cent of its value in a crisis that began in 2019. Protestors took to the streets of Beirut on Tuesday to demand reforms.
25/01/2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Irish UN peacekeeping soldier killed in 'serious incident' in Lebanon
Three others were injured in the incident near the village of Al-Aqbiya.
15/12/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Lebanese President Aoun leaves office and legacy of economic meltdown
Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun has left the palace and acknowledged the huge amount of work the failed state needs to restore its economy.
30/10/2022
Now playing Next
Destinations
This Mediterranean city is the Paris of the Middle East
From mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut.
25/09/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Sirens and sorrow: victims of migrant boat tragedy returned to Lebanon
Families of the victims say conditions in the region are forcing people to make the perilous crossings from Lebanon towards Europe.
24/09/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Series of bank robberies hit Lebanon as people try to get own savings
As Lebanon’s financial crisis continues to deteriorate, some depositors have attempted to take back their savings by force.
16/09/2022
Now playing Next
Europe Decoded
Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy
Beirut's collapsing silos and the fading memory of a tragedy
16/08/2022
Now playing Next
Culture news
Abuses against Lebanon’s LGBTQ+ rise after blast and financial crisis
Two years after the explosion at Beirut’s port, abuses against Lebanon’s LGBTQ+ community have skyrocketed.
05/08/2022
Now playing Next
no comment
Smoke billows from grain silos in Beirut port
Aerial shots show smoke billowing from grain silos in Beirut's blast-hit port which are at risk of collapsing after a fire.
29/07/2022
Now playing Next
no comment
Long queues at Beirut bakeries as Lebanon bread crisis continues
Long lines form in front of bakeries and supermarkets in the Lebanese capital Beirut.
27/07/2022
Now playing Next
Destinations
Can Lebanon's travel sector make a roaring comeback this summer?
Lebanon is anticipating hundreds of thousands of ex-pats and tourists to visit the country this summer. Their imminent arrival will bring a much-needed cash injection to a country previously tormented by an economic and financial crisis.
22/06/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
What now for Lebanon after Hezbollah loses its parliamentary majority?
We spoke to Middle East expert Dr Chloe Kattar, a research fellow in history at the University of Cambridge, to find out.
20/05/2022
Now playing Next
Europe Decoded
Here's what EU election observers do when monitoring ballots abroad
In total, some 167 European election observers were dispatched including 30 who arrived in early April to begin the groundwork for a thorough assessment.
20/05/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Lebanon elections: Hezbollah and allies lose majority in vote
It is the first election in Lebanon since a devastating economic crisis erupted in October 2019.
16/05/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Lebanese go to polls to elect new parliament amid economic meltdown
Expectations are low that the outcome will significantly alter the political landscape, despite a new crop of candidates from a nationwide protest movement.
15/05/2022
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Wanted Portuguese man arrested in Chile over Beirut port explosion
The suspect is accused of bringing "explosive elements" into Lebanon ahead of the blast that devastated the port in August 2020.
21/04/2022
Now playing Next
Scenes
The Lebanese dynamic duo helping frontline workers this Ramadan
"The story of the crisis transformed our relationship with this country. These people in this country are heroes to sustain this current situation."
18/04/2022
Now playing Next
no comment
Ukrainians and Lebanese rally against Russia invasion in Beirut
Ukrainian citizens living in Lebanon and supporters rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.
27/03/2022
Now playing Next
no comment
Snow in Lebanon as cold front intensifies
The town of Chebaa is used to snow in January but a recent storm, which has blanketed most of Lebanon, has left the town with snowfall the town hasn't been seen in a decade.
28/01/2022
Now playing Next
See
Beirut exhibition displays restored art after 2020 port blast
At the Beirut Museum of Art, a collection of restored Lebanese paintings, once destroyed by the 2020 port explosion, have gone back on display
21/01/2022
Now playing Next
no comment
Families of Beirut blast victims protest interference in probe
Families of victims killed in the deadly Beirut blast mark 15 months since the explosion, protesting continued political interference in the probe into the disaster.
04/11/2021
Now playing Next
no comment
Gunfire exchanges in streets of Beirut wounding several
The Lebanese army are deployed in the streets of Beirut as gun fire exchanges turn the capital into a war zone a few blocks from the Justice Palace, where hundreds of black-clad protesters had gathered to demand the removal of judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator in the port blast
14/10/2021
Now playing Next
Lebanon
Deadly clashes in Beirut after protests against port explosion judge
At least five people have been shot dead in Beirut during a demonstration against the judge investigating last year's deadly port explosion.
14/10/2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Today's Top Stories
Now playing Next
Russia
Putin breaks silence on crash that killed Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin
Now playing Next
Russia
Air accident expert: This is how to investigate Wagner plane crash
Now playing Next
world news
Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales to step down over World Cup kiss