France Announces €100 Million Aid Package for Lebanon
During an international aid conference held in Paris on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron of France declared a substantial aid package amounting to €100 million to support the people of Lebanon. This announcement comes in the wake of a devastating conflict that has seen Hezbollah militants clashing with Israeli forces, resulting in the displacement of millions of individuals, over 2,500 casualties, and exacerbating the already dire economic situation in the country.
Macron emphasized the urgent need for “massive aid,” stating, “What is needed is to shelter the families, feed the children, care for the wounded and continue to provide schooling for the pupils.” His remarks highlight the critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon amid ongoing hostilities.
Earlier this month, the United Nations launched a significant appeal for $426 million (€394 million) aimed at assisting nearly four million people in need of humanitarian aid within Lebanon. In addition to France’s contribution, Italy has also pledged €10 million in new aid, while Germany has committed an additional €60 million to the cause. French organizers are hopeful that these collective pledges will meet the urgent funding requirements identified by the UN for humanitarian assistance.
The conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border has intensified since hostilities erupted in Gaza last October, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanging fire. The situation escalated further in September this year when thousands were injured following an Israeli military operation that involved detonating pager and walkie-talkie devices.
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In his address, President Macron reiterated the urgent necessity for an immediate ceasefire and criticized Israel for its ongoing military operations within Lebanon. On the social media platform X, he affirmed that “Israel’s existence and security are non-negotiable for France,” while cautioning that “adding war to war brings neither peace nor security, neither for Israel nor for anyone in the region.”
