The Lebanese government denied on Friday that it has rejected French medical aid and equipment following the massive explosion that rocked Beirut.
“Once again, some parties are trying to harm Lebanon by spreading rumors stating that the Lebanese state has refused aid from certain countries,” said the Prime Minister’s Press Office.
Reports said the Lebanese government refused to welcome a team from the French Secouristes Sans Frontieres because the country does not need additional aid.
“A group of French doctors, nurses and technicians were supposed to leave today, Thursday, to Beirut to help the Lebanese people, carrying 1.5 tons of medical aid. However, this morning, we were surprised by the response of the Lebanese government, which said it does not need our help anymore,” the French France 3 channel quoted one of the team’s members as saying.
The SSF worker said this is the first time she sees a state in need refusing such assistance.
Tuesday's massive explosion a Beirut Port killed 154 people, injured 5,000 and smashed a swathe of the city.
France and other countries around the world have rushed emergency aid to Lebanon, including doctors, and tons of health equipment and food.
Responding to the SSF report, Lebanon’s Cabinet said: “This news is fake and misleading, and aims at cutting off aid to Lebanon.”
It added that Lebanon welcomes any assistance from brotherly and friendly countries and from all institutions around the world, and extends its deep gratitude to them for standing by Lebanon’s side in the aftermath of the disaster that has struck the country.