Beirut, Lebanon - September 20, 2024

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said at a press conference on Friday that he appreciates any assistance from abroad as the country is in full swing to treat those wounded in recent communication device explosions.

Lebanon was hit by pager explosions on Tuesday, and walkie-talkie explosions on Wednesday. The two waves of explosions have left 39 dead and around 3,000 injured.

Abiad said Lebanon is capable of caring for all the victims in the explosions.

"We are sure that Lebanon has the capabilities and can provide specialized care. And we will coordinate as the Ministry of Health with all syndicates and cover the costs to establish specialized centers that are compatible with our needs. Currently, some hospitals need them. The syndicates and doctors are ready to do their duties in this matter," Abiad said.

"We, as Lebanese people, appreciate any assistance that may come from abroad. Regarding health workers, especially doctors, we say that in Lebanon we want to work in an organized manner and under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and the relevant unions," the minister said.

Abiad said the medical staff had performed around 1,200 surgeries and the number would be updated to the public.

"The vast majority of the people have had their surgeries here. Up till now, we have performed, I think, around 1,200 surgeries. But tomorrow we will have the updated number. I think the number will be more than that. And there are still surgeries still ongoing now," he said.

Shotlist:

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 17, 2024
1. Ambulances moving through traffic;

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 20, 2024
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Firas Abiad, Lebanese Health Minister:
"We are sure that Lebanon has the capabilities and can provide specialized care. And we will coordinate as the Ministry of Health with all syndicates and cover the costs to establish specialized centers that are compatible with our needs. Currently, some hospitals need them. The syndicates and doctors are ready to do their duties in this matter.";

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 18, 2024
3. Various of people, traffic outside American University of Beirut Medical Center;

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 20, 2024
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Firas Abiad, Lebanese Health Minister:
"We, as Lebanese people, appreciate any assistance that may come from abroad. Regarding health workers, especially doctors, we say that in Lebanon we want to work in an organized manner and under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and the relevant unions.";

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 18, 2024
5. Various of traffic, soldiers outside medical center;

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 20, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Firas Abiad, Lebanese Health Minister:
"The vast majority of the people have had their surgeries here. Up till now, we have performed, I think, around 1,200 surgeries. But tomorrow we will have the updated number. I think the number will be more than that. And there are still surgeries still ongoing now.";

Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 18, 2024
7. Various of people, traffic outside medical center.

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