Funerals begin in Beirut as Lebanon’s politicians appeal for unity

The funerals have begun in Beirut of the 44 victims of Thursday’s bombing in a busy neighbourhood loyal to Hezbollah.

The group calling itself Islamic State says it was behind the atrocity.

More than 200 people were injured, making it the worst attack in Lebanon since the end of the country’s bloody civil war.

The political reaction

Hezbollah politician Ali Mokdad says the message is clear: “Everyone in Beirut and across Lebanon will fight these jihadis at all costs.”

Tali Hatoum is from the Amal Movelment. “The response lies in unity, in stopping the security threat and settling the instability the jihadis seek.”

Lebanon’s cabinet has also held an emergency session.

The challenge is to prevent the Syrian conflict from spreading.

Hezbollah are closely aligned with President Bashar al-Assad, who is battling ISIL.

Investigation continues at the scene of the blast

There is a heavy security presence around the site of the blast.

The area is still littered with debris, damaged vehicles and shattered glass.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-11-14

Photoshop out what is, presumably, a coffin and this could be a photo taken anywhere in Western Europe.