France's President Macron has hosted a summit to ask world leaders to help Beirut. The virtual conference was held after the catastrophic explosion that devastated Lebanon's capital last week. President Macron said Lebanon needed aid immediately. He said: "We must act quickly...so that this aid goes directly to where it is needed. Lebanon's future is at stake." Dozens of pledges of assistance came from Lebanon's neighbours, Europe, Asia, and the USA. The international donors have so far pledged $300 million to help Beirut.
Europe promised over $68 million to help Beirut. A spokesperson said: "As needs rise, we are providing humanitarian support to hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people." The funding will go directly to charities. Qatar pledged $50 million, the biggest donation from a single country, while Kuwait offered $40 million. There was also spiritual assistance from the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis. He made a plea saying: "We must all work for the good of this beloved country." He appealed for "generous help from the international community".