Washington, DC: In Defense of Christians (IDC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East, calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with the Lebanese people in the wake of today’s events.

At approximately 6:08 p.m. local time, twin explosions occurred in the Port of Beirut. At least 73 people have been killed and 3,700 were injured in the terrifying attack which was heard as far away as Cyprus (150 miles).

Images and videos of the aftermath of the explosions show entire neighborhoods in ruins and civilians, many injured, struggling through the streets looking for help and emergency assistance.

Early reports indicate that the injured are unable to receive treatment because the hospitals are overcrowded. Due to the blast damage, the American University of Beirut reported that it was unable to receive more patients in its emergency section. Reports also state that Saint George Hospital is entirely incapacitated.

“While the Lebanese government has proven itself to be a failed government, now is the time to stand with the Lebanese people,” said IDC president Toufic Baaklini. “IDC is calling on the United States and European allies to provide immediate help to hospitals and local NGOs, such as the Lebanese Red Cross, caring for the sick, wounded, and the hungry.”