Banks in Lebanon have put tight rules on how much money people can access, amid a deep economic crisis.

The suspect entered the bank with a rifle, poured petrol and demanded his money for hospital bills, AFP reported.

His actions captured public support – with cheering crowds gathering outside and chanting: “You are a hero.”

The stand-off eventually ended peacefully with no injuries, after negotiators struck an agreement allowing the suspect to receive $35,000 (£29,000) of his savings upfront, LBC TV channel reported.

Police escorted the hostages and suspect away from the Federal Bank branch near Hamra Street, in the west of the city. Officials have not yet said whether the man will face charges.

According to LBC, the suspect’s family were in dire need of their savings, with some family members in hospital.

The suspect’s brother told journalists: “My brother has $210,000 in the bank and wants to get just $5,500 to pay hospital bills.”

ALSO READ:

• Woman jailed for killing lover over grasscutter soup

• Check out lovely photos of Abedi Pele and wife as they mark 35th marriage anniversary

• Check out 6 Ghanaian actors who have passed on in 2022

And his wife and brother, who were outside the bank, said that “everybody should do the same” to get access to what is “rightfully theirs”.

There has been widespread anger in Lebanon over the strict controls over people’s bank accounts, which came into force in 2019. There are also restrictions on transfers of money abroad.

The country is in the midst of one of the world’s most severe economic crises in modern times – and its impact is being felt even more as the cost of living spirals and there are shortages of wheat and medicines.

Outside the branch, protesters had chanted: “Down with the rule of the banks”.

“Similar incidents keep happening,” George al-Hajj, who heads Lebanon’s bank employees’ union, told AFP. In a separate incident in January, an angry customer took dozens of hostages at a bank in the Bekaa valley, demanding to be able to take his money out in US dollars.

“Depositors want their money, and unfortunately their anger explodes in the face of bank employees because they cannot reach the management,” he added.

Lebanon’s local currency has lost more than 90% of its value since the onset of the crisis – and the UN says four fifths of the population are living in poverty.

The explosion which occurred at a port in Beirut saw the destruction of hundreds of houses with many people dead and injured.

One of those who didn’t survive the horrible incident is a bride who was planning to get married to her man.

After her burial, her man cried his heart out in an open letter which reads:

“Our wedding was supposed to be on 6/6/2021. You were preparing our new home, choosing the furniture you like, getting ready for our new life together. But you left me too early.

“Your wedding is no longer on 6/6/2021, but it will be tomorrow my dear. Everything that you wanted at the wedding will be there except I won’t get to see you in your white dress. You have broken my back my love, and burnt the love of my heart. There is no more taste to life after you.”

The nanny risked her life to save the little girl during the explosion that rocked Beirut, Lebanon.

In the video, the nanny was spotted cleaning the floor and after some seconds, checked around after she felt the earth vibrating.

It wasn’t long until the tension grew, followed by waves of explosion which shattered some parts of their home.

ALSO

• Cause of Lebanon blast revealed as death toll passes 100

• Beirut blast: Frantic search for survivors of deadly explosion

However, the nanny hastily carried the child and rushed off to the inner room after noticing the possible harm the blast could cause.

Ever since the video went viral, social media users have been retweeting and showering praises on the nanny for her caring act.

Watch the video below:

At least 100 people have been killed and 4,000 people injured after the blast sent seismic shockwaves through the city on Tuesday evening, destroying dozens of buildings and shattering windows.

The explosion was reportedly caused by “highly explosive sodium nitrate” confiscated from a ship by Lebanese authorities and placed in one of the warehouses located near the harbour.

ALSO READ:

• Pictures of Chaos and destruction in Beirut after blast
• Beirut blast: Frantic search for survivors of deadly explosion
• Osei Palmer speaks on ‘supposed’ CAS ruling

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hassan Diab, has appealed to all countries and friends of Lebanon for help in a short televised speech, saying: “We are witnessing a real catastrophe.”