Macron hosts donor conference for Beirut Blast

World leaders pledged nearly $300 million to Lebanon to help it recover from last week’s massive explosion in Beirut.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron led a virtual international donors conference to rush aid to Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut.

Nearly $300 million was pledged by all countries involved. The Elysee Palace announced that France will pledge €30 million.

Over a dozen world leaders met Sunday afternoon via teleconference. The president joined from the south of France, where he is on vacation.

Two massive explosions rocked Beirut Port last Tuesday after a neglected stockpile of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse there ignited.

The blasts rocked Beirut to its core, registering 3.5 on the Richter scale and shattering buildings miles in the distance. At least 158 people lost their lives, approximately 6,000 were injured and 300,000 have been left homeless.

The explosions involved French citizens as well, claiming the lives of two and injuring 19.

Lebanon was already in crisis, plagued with severe financial and economic problems and ongoing deep corruption.