Aug. 4 victims' relatives demand justice in front of Beirut Port | LIVE

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According to images circulating on social media, a man allegedly attempted to attack William Noun, whose brother was killed on Aug. 4, 2020, after the popular march. Security forces quickly intervened.

L'Orient-Le Jour attempted to contact Noun, who did not respond to request for comment.

Ghassan Salameh: The government's commitment to the Aug. 4 issue is serious

Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh stated that the Salam government's commitment to the Aug. 4 issue was "serious."

"We have begun a new approach, which consists of establishing a permanent dialogue with the families of the victims of the explosions at the port at the National Library, and it is the government's duty to support them until justice is done," he said during the popular march.

"The government's commitment to this issue is serious, and we believe that there can be no justice without truth, nor truth without the independence of the judiciary," the minister added.

The gathering of relatives of the victims has ended.

In pictures: A Lebanese flag waved by relatives of the victims in front of the Beirut silos, ravaged by the deadly explosion of Aug. 4. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

(Credit: Nemtala Eddé)

Lara Hayek's mother, who has been in a coma for five years, stated that "no one cares" about her daughter's condition. "Don't you have children? We will not forget" the tragedy, she said.

William Noun, who lost his brother, thanked the ministers for their presence, particularly Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine. However, he stressed that the victims' parents cannot forget those who obstructed the investigation, particularly Hezbollah. Addressing Judge Tarek Bitar, who is in charge of the investigation, he stressed: "If your indictment won't tell us the whole truth, let's go and demonstrate in front of your house."

Paul Naggear, who lost his daughter, stressed that "fighting for justice is wrong because it is a right." "No one helped us that day, and we must remember that, the fear and the worry," he added. "Today, the government has people we can count on, including the Minister of Justice. We can't wait any longer," Naggear continued, hoping that the indictment will be "complete and will define all responsibilities."

Jbeil MP Simon Abi Ramia, a former member of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), said during his participation in the mass in memory of the victims of the explosion that "after five years of waiting, it is time for the indictment to be issued. This delay only increases the pain of the families and deepens the national wound. The latter can only heal with the establishment of justice and the revelation of the truth."

He said that "the explosion at Beirut Port has shaken the foundations of the state and undermined confidence in its institutions. Accountability is not an option: it is one of the essential foundations of state reconstruction."

Several relatives of the victims spoke out. One woman, who lost her sister, claimed the truth, lamenting that the investigation into the tragedy has still not been completed. She also pointed the finger at the then-Attorney General, Ghassan Oueidat, who had himself been indicted by Judge Bitar, and Ghazi Zeaiter, a member of parliament for the Amal movement, who was also summoned by the magistrate, calling them "repeat criminals." She finally called on the members of parliament and ministers present at the march to stop sending corrupt individuals to sensitive government positions.

Another victim's relative spoke out: "We want the truth at all costs and for the guilty to be brought to justice." She also thanked Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh for his decision to include the port silos in the general inventory of historical monuments.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the tragedy.

Participants in the march, Amelie and Thea, both 21, were disappointed by the number of people present. "All of Lebanon should be there! Without solidarity, the country will not move forward. Without solidarity, we will not have justice. Everyone has been affected, even if we don't know the victims, we must show our support," they told L'Orient Today.

In pictures: Processions gathered at the entrance to the port. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

The names of the victims of the Aug. 4 explosion scroll across a large screen with their photos, to applause.

In pictures: Relatives of the victims hold up signs at the port entrance to demand justice. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)

In pictures: Portraits of victims of the Aug. 4 tragedy held up by their loved ones. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

The procession, which left the fire station, just arrived at the entrance to the port where patriotic songs are being played over loudspeakers.

Most ministers are participating in the popular march. For Claire Zaarour, who lost her father Antoun, "it's just folklore." "What hurts me is that fewer and fewer people are mobilized. I want to tell them not to lose hope. I owe it to my father to continue campaigning for the truth," she told L'Orient Today.

Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine participated in the march alongside the victims' families. He claimed that his presence signified that Hezbollah supported the victims' families in their quest for truth. When asked about his party's obstruction of the investigation, he insisted that this was not the case.

Former minister Michel Pharaon took part in the march, along with some people carrying placards with his slogan "Greater Beirut without weapons." He told L'Orient Today: "We have confidence in the justice system, but even an indictment is no longer enough. To protect the capital from bombings, explosions, and discord, all weapons must first be removed from the capital, and from all of Lebanon."

Camille Mourani, head of political relations for the National Bloc:

"Today we come with mixed feelings, between hope that fails to assert itself and disappointment. We are still waiting to see actions match words, especially when it comes to justice," he said.

He also stressed that naming a street after the victims of Aug. 4 was not enough, calling for accountability.

Michel Naggear, grandfather of Alexandra Najjar, killed in the explosions of Aug. 4, 2020:

"I feel like we're making progress. We were promised that we would know the truth after five days, and it's been five years ... But we have more hope today with the new president, the new government, the new atmosphere at the regional level that allows the investigation to continue," Naggear told L'Orient Today.

(Credit: Nemtala Eddé/L'Orient Today)

Justice Minister Adel Nassar to L'Orient Today:

"It's a very moving and poignant moment, which shows us the responsibility that rests on our shoulders to ensure that justice is done. This is a duty. We cannot let a crime go unpunished: by letting it go unpunished, we deny the very existence of a state, incapable of responding to its citizens," Adel Nassar said.

"Today we can say that the obstacles that had hindered the investigation have been removed thanks to the renewed cooperation between the Attorney General and the investigating judge," the minister added, insisting that the investigation would continue. "I cannot give dates. The case will determine the date of publication of the indictment, but I understand that it is very advanced and in the final stages."

He also said that "we cannot speak of a weak mobilization," believing that "the entire population is mobilized by this disaster. The Lebanese, whether they are in the streets or at home, feel directly concerned by the outcome of the investigation."

He added: "I have met several times with the families of the victims. We owe it to them to ensure justice is done. They are an example of dignity and courage."

Information Minister Paul Morcos taking part in the march of victims' relatives. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

Several public figures, including Justice Minister Adel Nassar, change MPs Waddah Sadek and Halimeh Kaakour, and journalist Ricardo Karam, took part in the march, which started from Martyrs' Square.

Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh, Information Minister Paul Morcos, Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud and Lebanese Forces MPs took part in the march, which started from the Beirut fire station in Quarantina.

The families of the victims, holding placards of their missing loved ones, lead the procession.

Wafaa Karam, sister of firefighter Sharbel Karam, who died on Aug. 4:

"We live in hope that this year will be different; otherwise, we will die of grief. We have lost what was most precious to us. My brother was an only child, and his daughters ask for him every day. We should be able to tell them when they grow up that the culprits have been identified and punished, and that justice has been done," she told L'Orient Today.

The flag bearing signatures demanding accountability, carried by activists during the march to Beirut Port. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

'We stand with the victims' parents,' says telecommunications minister

During the march, Telecommunications Minister Charles Hage showed his solidarity with the victims' families.

"Whether we are in government or not, we stand with the victims' parents. This mandate will not pass without closing the investigation. These people need answers. We cannot keep their wounds open," he stressed.

The president of the Beirut Bar Association, Fadi Masri, said during a press conference that the fact that the investigation into the tragedy has resumed its judicial course "is not an end in itself, but the continuation of a path whose objective is to reach quickly, but without any procedural or legal flaws, the trial before the Court of Justice."

"We promise the Lebanese to follow the case," he added, noting that "true justice knows no compromise," he added.

MP Melhem Khalaf also welcomed the resumption of the investigation, hoping that justice will be done.

"We have fought a long battle and won the first: that of reopening the case, establishing the facts, and breaking with the system of impunity. We are now preparing for the second battle: the trial before the Court of Justice, where we will face each person involved and each perpetrator with the punishment they deserve, and where we will demand every moral and material right, every compensation for irreplaceable lives, for every injury and loss," he stated.

Dozens of people gathered in front of the Beirut fire station on Aug. 4, 2025. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

Rallies begin in Beirut ahead of march to port

Dozens of people are already gathered in front of the Beirut fire station, awaiting the start of the march to the port. Ministers and former ministers are present, including Information Minister Paul Morcos and former minister Michel Pharaon, reported L'Orient Today's reporter at the scene.

Another rally also began in Martyrs' Square.

The two processions will converge on the statue of the Emigrant, at the entrance to the port, to pay tribute to the 235 people killed.

Gemayel calls for justice, praises Nassar

Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel said Monday that he would “continue the fight for justice” in the investigation into the Aug. 4 tragedy, saying that Justice Minister Adel Nassar had “succeeded in creating the conditions necessary for Judge Tarek Bitar to continue his work.” He expressed hope that the indictment would be “issued soon.”

Gemayel also called on President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to “recognize the importance of the moment we are living in and to move from a corrupt state where impunity reigns to a state of law and justice.”

He added that he hopes that a “courageous decision will be taken” on Tuesday during the Cabinet meeting on disarming armed factions in Lebanon, including Hezbollah.

(Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'OLJ)

Rallies begin in Beirut ahead of march to the port

Dozens of people have already gathered in front of the Beirut Fire Brigades, awaiting the start of the march to the port. Current and former ministers are present, including Information Minister Paul Morcos and former minister Michel Pharaon, according to L'Orient Today's reporter on the scene.

Another gathering has also begun at Martyrs' Square.

The two processions will meet at the Emigrant statue at the entrance to the port to pay tribute to the 235 people killed on Aug. 4, 2020.

Israeli army spokesman blames Hezbollah for Beirut blast

Avichay Adraee, Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, published a post on X sharply criticizing Hezbollah’s role in the Beirut port blast.

“Five years ago, we were the first to extend a hand to the Lebanese people, offering sincere humanitarian assistance regardless of religion, sect, or political affiliation,” he wrote. “We simply saw a people in distress and responded to the call of humanity.”

Adraee alleged it was already clear at the time “who was dragging Lebanon into hell,” blaming Hezbollah as “the cause of Lebanon’s calamity.” He accused the party of playing a “central role” in the blast by “stockpiling explosive materials in the heart of the capital.”

He added that Hezbollah “mocked the helping hand extended to Lebanon and chose, as always, to throw itself into the arms of the Iranian regime — even at the expense of its own people.”

“We cut off [Hezbollah's] hands and legs in the last war and exposed its reality to the world, yet it continues to fuel Lebanon’s tragedy, as if the destruction of Lebanon were its only project,” Adraee said.

He concluded: “We were — and remain — on the side of the Lebanese people. But are the Lebanese people on their own side?”

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'OLJ)

Hotel-Dieu hospital staff gather to honor blast victims

Medical staff at Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital gathered at the entrance to the emergency ward Sunday to honor the victims of the Aug. 4 explosion. Father Salim Daccache, rector of Saint Joseph University, spoke during the ceremony.

Mufti Qabalan calls to shield Lebanon from global power struggles

Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Qabalan, politically aligned with Hezbollah, said the port explosion “is not only a catastrophe, but a moment when a country crucified on the cross of international and regional crises was laid bare.”

“I can only issue a resounding cry — for Lebanon, for justice, for the martyrs of the port, and for all those affected by this catastrophic explosion,” he said in a statement.

He mentioned Liliane Chaito, a woman severely injured in the blast, whose husband took custody of their son Ali after the explosion because she was deemed unfit to parent him. “This right is the most sacred of all her rights, and it is the authorities’ absolute duty to guarantee her right to motherhood and to ensure that she can at least communicate with her son, even through video call,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between Chaito and the country, he said: “Lebanon is a wounded nation, a tormented partnership. There is nothing more important than protecting Lebanon from the game of nations.”

Cleric Fadlallah urges against using port blast in “internal power games”

Shiite cleric Ali Fadlallah said the memory of the Beirut port explosion is a “national and human cause that concerns all Lebanese,” urging that it not be “sectarianized, politicized, or used in internal power games.”

“Everyone must work toward achieving justice and truth, without delay or evasion, so that those proven responsible are punished and such a tragedy is never repeated in this country,” he added.

Pope Leo XIV expresses compassion for Lebanon

During a prayer vigil held on Sunday evening in Beirut, a message from Pope Leo XIV was read in tribute to the victims.

In his message, the pontiff expressed his “sympathy to all those whose hearts are broken,” to those “who are suffering from the loss of their loved ones,” and to those “who have been injured or have lost everything as a result of this disaster.”

Present at the ceremony, the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, emphasized that “the Lebanese people and the families of the victims are still searching for truth and justice, which must prevail above all else.” However, he noted “a glimmer of hope, as the investigation is progressing, even if it remains hampered by conflicting interests.”

Tracy and Paul Najjar, parents of three-year-old victim Alexandra, killed on Aug. 4, 2020, wrote on Instagram:

"We had hoped that this year would be different…
That this day could be one of peace. A commemoration, a celebration of your beautiful life.
But five years later, here we are again… Heartbroken, angry, and still desperately fighting for your right, for our right, for everyone’s right to justice.

Five years ago, we made you a promise, a promise that we’ve held onto with all our strength: That justice would be done. That those responsible would face the consequences. That no other family would have to endure this kind of pain again."

From the tribute mass, led by Beirut Archbishop Mgr. Abdel Sater 

At the end of the Mass, the victims’ families thanked the ministers in attendance: Economy Minister Amer Bisat, Industry Minister Joe Issa al-Khoury, Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayyed, Information Minister Paul Morcos, Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi, and Tourism Minister Laura al-Khazen Lahoud.

On Sunday, the Ministries of Culture and Social Affairs organized a roundtable discussion at the National Library, the first initiative led by the Lebanese government relating to the Aug. 4 blast.

Remembering the blast's youngest victim

“Five years ago, my son Isaac died in the Beirut blast,” wrote Sarah Copland, Australian diplomat to the United Nations, on X. "For the past 5 years, for 1,826 nights, I have been learning how to cope with the grief, while also learning how to live again."

Isaac Oehlers was two years old when he was killed on Aug. 4, 2020.

'Aug. 4, a lesson for a sovereign state,' says Taymour Joumblatt

“Aug. 4 is not just a memory, but a lesson to remind us of the importance and necessity of a sovereign state, master of its own decisions, with effective institutions that take full responsibility for the lives of the Lebanese people,” wrote Taymour Jumblatt, leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, on X.

General Security calls for justice and a 'fair' investigation

The General Security, represented by its director Hassan Choucair, laid a wreath of flowers in front of the statue of the institution's martyrs in the port of Beirut.

“The blood of those who were killed and wounded seals our promise to continue on the path of law and justice,” reads a statement from the GS. It also calls for a “fair and thorough investigation into this heinous crime.”

Former GS director Abbas Ibrahim is facing charges in the blast case, led by Judge Tarek Bitar.

Aug. 4 was a crime against humanity, says Saddi

“The explosion on Aug. 4 was a crime against humanity, and the obstruction of the investigation for years is an even more heinous crime,” Energy Minister Joe Saddi wrote on his X account. "Bringing the truth to light and bringing the criminals to justice is a national necessity, not only out of loyalty to the souls of the victims, the pain of the wounded, and the suffering of their loved ones, but also to revive faith in our country and in the future of our children."

United Kingdom calls for truth and justice

The British Embassy in Lebanon announced on X that it lowered its flag to half-mast.

“Families of victims deserve justice, accountability and truth,” the embassy added on X. “UK continues to call for accountability & a transparent and swift investigation into the Beirut Port Blast.”

Members of the Lebanese Civil Defense laid a wreath at the memorial to the martyrs of the Port of Beirut, in tribute to their sacrifices. “We will never forget them,” wrote the Civil Defense on its X account.

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai was initially scheduled to preside over the tribute mass, but was absent today. Rai was hospitalized a few days ago due to a “gastrointestinal disturbance.”

The 85-year-old patriarch had already taken several weeks of rest earlier in the spring after fracturing his hip in a fall during Easter Mass. He resumed his duties in May.

“France welcomes the efforts being made to fully uncover the truth in order to deliver justice to the victims and all those affected by this tragedy,” read a post on the French Embassy in Lebanon’s X account. “As Lebanese authorities have emphasized, ending impunity is essential to Lebanon’s recovery — because without justice, there is no rule of law.”

From the tribute mass, led by Beirut Archbishop Mgr. Abdel Sater 

Beirut Archbishop Mgr. Abdel Sater devoted part of his homily to the “demand for justice” and “the dignity of the dead.”

“The entire people are demanding the full truth (…) and the names of all those responsible” for the disaster, he said, urging political leaders to allow the investigation to proceed and to prevent “political and partisan interference in the judiciary.”

“We will not remain silent,” he concluded.

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'OLJ)

The helmet of a firefighter killed that day is placed in front of the altar.

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'OLJ)

From the mass, led by Beirut Archbishop Mgr. Abdel Sater

The front rows of the church are occupied by the victims' relatives, followed by political figures such as Industry Minister Joe Issa al-Khoury, Economy Minister Amer Bisat, and MPs Elias Hankash, Nicolas Sehnaoui, Alain Aoun and Najat Aoun Saliba. Sahar Baassiri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's wife, is also present in the audience.

(Credit: Nemtala Edde/L'OLJ)

A few minutes before the start of the mass in tribute to the victims of the Beirut port explosion, Saint Joseph's Church, located on Rue de la Sagesse, begins to fill up.

Unlike previous years, the ceremony is not being held at Saint George's Cathedral. No official explanation has been given for the change.

“It's the archbishop's decision, I don't know anything else. In any case, it amounts to the same thing,” a relative of one of the victims told our reporter on the scene.

This morning, the Lebanese flag was flown at half-mast at the entrance to the Presidential Palace, marking the day of national mourning.

“We must keep up the pressure and follow up in order to identify the instigators, perpetrators, accomplices and participants in this crime,” wrote former Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam on X.

(Credit: Nabil Ismail)

'Punishing those responsible is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed,' says Baha' Hairir from Beirut Port.

Baha' Hariri, eldest son of Rafik Hariri, laid a wreath near the port of Beirut. “We remember the pain, anger and crime that struck the heart of the capital,” he said. “Justice is a right for the martyrs and the wounded, and punishing those responsible is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed.”

He also insisted that “ports and entry points must be under the exclusive control of the state, and that it is unacceptable to store hazardous materials that endanger the lives of Lebanese citizens and residents.”

The Aug. 4 disaster was caused by the explosion of a stockpile of ammonium nitrate left unattended in a warehouse at the port.

Beirut port's tribute to the victims

The port of Beirut will cease operations at 6 p.m., following a decision by its general manager, Omar Itani. A minute of silence will be observed in tribute to the victims, while ships sound their horns and cranes raise.

At 3:30 p.m., the Kataeb Party is organizing a gathering at its headquarters in Saifi to pay tribute to its late secretary-general, Nizar Najarian, who was killed in the explosion on Aug. 4 in the party's central headquarters.

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'OLJ)

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar visited the Beirut Fire Brigade in Karantina, where he laid a wreath at the memorial honoring the firefighters killed in the Aug. 4 explosion.

“We stand with the Lebanese people in their call for accountability,” reads the U.S. Embassy in Beirut's X account. "Lebanon deserves an independent and impartial judicial system that delivers justice to victims instead of protecting elites. "

State Security commemorates blast

In a brief statement, the State Security paid tribute to the victims and affirmed that it “remains committed to protecting the nation, beyond the pain.”

Former State Security Director Tony Saliba is among the officials who have been summoned by Judge Tarek Bitar in recent months.

Shehadeh vows ‘zero tolerance for negligence and corruption’

Minister of Displacement Kamal Shehadeh paid tribute on X to the victims and reaffirmed his “commitment to no longer tolerate the negligence and corruption that endanger the lives of Lebanese citizens.”

Nadim Gemayel visits families of fallen firefighters in Qartaba

On Sunday, MP Nadim Gemayel (Kataeb Party) visited Qartaba (Jbeil district), where he met with the families of several Beirut firefighters who died while responding to the blaze at the port just before the massive double explosion.

Among the 10 firefighters killed in the blast were Charbel Karam, Charbel Hitti and Georges Hitti, all originally from Qartaba.

“Justice is not vengeance, but a right for the martyrs, the victims and their families, and a fundamental condition for any national recovery,” Gemayel said during the visit.

Lebanese Forces to hold memorial mass Aug. 5

The Lebanese Forces announced a memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church on Pasteur Street in Gemmayzeh in tribute to the victims of the Beirut blast.

“What can be said to the grieving families? Words are useless, superfluous, and ring hollow. Because one question has been asked relentlessly for five years: Where is justice — once a source of pride for this country? Why is the investigation stalled?” read a statement from the LF’s Beirut office.

According to the party, “the investigation is stalled because certain parties decided it should be — because the truth must be buried.” The statement also claimed, “But that’s without counting the Lebanese Forces’ determination and persistence. From day one, we placed the port explosion file on the national priority list and brought it before international legal bodies.”

U.N.: ‘Progress is urgently needed’ in judicial process

In a statement, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert noted that she had met with victims’ families last week and praised their “courage” in the fight for accountability. She also congratulated Parliament on passing the law on judicial independence last Thursday.

Olive trees planted in tribute to the victims of the tragedy. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)

Olive trees planted in honor of victims

On Sunday evening, at around 7 p.m., along the road near the Beirut port, a line of olive trees — one for each victim of the Aug. 4, 2020, disaster — was inaugurated in the presence of victims’ relatives and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Several ministers and MPs attended, as well as Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh, Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar.

At the base of each tree, a white plaque bears the name of one of the 235 victims of the explosion.

On Sunday, part of Charles Helou Avenue near one of the port’s entrances was renamed “Aug. 4 Victims Street.”

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud and victims’ families.

Speaking at the event, Salam called for an end to interference in the judicial process. “We will not compromise on justice or truth,” he said, stressing that “no one is above the law” in the port explosion case.

At 11:30 a.m. today, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai will celebrate a Mass at St. George Cathedral in downtown Beirut, alongside Archbishop of Beirut Boulos Abdel Sater.

Later in the day, at 5:30 p.m., a public march will begin at two symbolic locations: Martyrs’ Square and the Karantina Fire Brigade. The two groups will converge at the Emigrant statue at the entrance of the port for a tribute to the 235 people killed.

Lebanese government to uncover truth 'regardless of obstacles,' promises Aoun

In an early morning statement, President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese state and “all its institutions” are committed to uncovering the truth about the disaster, “regardless of the obstacles or the rank of those involved.”

“Justice knows no exceptions, and the law applies to everyone without distinction,” he said.

“Today, five years after this tragedy, we stand before the souls of the martyrs, before the wounded and their families, and before all Lebanese to affirm that justice will not die, and those responsible will be held to account,” he added, calling the case a “top priority” of his presidency.

“We are working through all available means to ensure investigations continue with transparency and integrity, and we will keep pressuring all relevant parties to bring those responsible to justice, regardless of their status or affiliations,” he said.

Aoun also recalled the “extraordinary solidarity” shown in the aftermath of the explosion, when hundreds of people came to Beirut to help clear rubble and aid the wounded and displaced. “That spirit of solidarity will guide us toward justice and toward rebuilding our country on the foundations of justice, transparency, and accountability,” he concluded.

On Sunday night, Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh announced that the Beirut port silos — heavily damaged in the deadly blast and partially burned in 2022 — have been officially added to Lebanon’s general inventory of historic monuments.

Good morning, and thank you for joining our live coverage of the commemoration of the Aug. 4, 2020, explosion.

At 6:08 p.m. that day, one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in modern history ripped through Beirut, killing approximately 235 people and injuring thousands.

Make sure to read our Morning Brief to catch up with what you missed over the weekend.