Lebanon aid conference/ France pledges aid to Lebanon/ Lebanon war humanitarian crisis/ Hezbollah-Israel conflict/ Middle East war relief/ Newslooks/ PARIS/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ France pledged €100 million in aid for Lebanon at an international conference, emphasizing the need for massive humanitarian support as the Israel-Hezbollah war displaces over a million people. Nations including Germany and Italy also committed funds. The aid will address Lebanon’s economic and military needs amidst ongoing conflict and political instability.
Lebanon Aid Conference Quick Looks:
- French aid pledge: France promises €100 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon as the country struggles with war.
- Global support: Over 70 countries and organizations gather in Paris to discuss the $426 million required for Lebanon’s crisis.
- Displacement crisis: The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has displaced 1.4 million people, with Lebanon facing severe infrastructure damage.
- Lebanese military support: Nations also focus on bolstering Lebanon’s military, which is under-resourced and unable to fully defend the country.
- Hezbollah-Israel conflict: Israeli strikes have killed Lebanese soldiers, prompting international calls for greater military and humanitarian aid.
Macron Pushes $108M Aid for Lebanon at Key Conference
Deep Look:
France and Global Allies Pledge Massive Aid to Lebanon Amid Crisis
France led an international conference in Paris on Thursday, pledging €100 million ($108 million) in aid to Lebanon as the country grapples with the devastating impacts of the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the urgent need for “massive aid” to support Lebanon, where the conflict has displaced over a million people, killed thousands, and worsened an already dire economic situation.
International Support and Funding Goals
The Paris conference, attended by more than 70 nations and international organizations, aimed to raise the $426 million in humanitarian aid that the United Nations says Lebanon urgently requires. The funding is intended to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese population, which has been severely impacted by the conflict between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces. Displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and economic collapse have all contributed to Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis.
In his opening remarks, Macron stressed the critical need for rapid assistance. “In the immediate term, massive aid is needed for the Lebanese population, both for the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the war and for the communities hosting them,” he said.
Additional Contributions from Other Nations
Germany announced a total of €96 million in humanitarian aid, divided between Lebanon and neighboring Syria, which is also suffering from regional instability. Italy added another €10 million ($10.8 million) in aid to Lebanon earlier this week, joining other European nations in their commitment to supporting the war-torn country.
While financial pledges have been generous, experts warn that delivering this aid effectively will be challenging due to Lebanon’s increasing reliance on informal and cash-based economies, raising concerns about corruption and transparency.
Support for the Lebanese Military
The conference also focused on strengthening Lebanon’s armed forces. The Lebanese military, weakened by years of economic hardship and outdated equipment, is unable to fully defend the country or confront Hezbollah’s forces. France and its allies are looking to bolster Lebanon’s defense capabilities, particularly in the south, where Hezbollah fighters remain entrenched.
Macron outlined plans to assist the Lebanese army with medical care, fuel, and equipment. He also emphasized the importance of recruiting and deploying additional troops. “We are supporting the plan to recruit at least 6,000 soldiers and deploy at least 8,000 in southern Lebanon,” Macron said.
Rising Tensions Between Israel and Lebanon
As the conflict rages on, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three Lebanese soldiers, including an officer, as they were evacuating wounded civilians. The Lebanese army reported that Israeli forces have targeted their troops multiple times since the war escalated in September. Israel, which apologized for a previous strike that killed three soldiers, is investigating whether this latest incident was another case of mistaken targeting during an operation against Hezbollah.
Israel has carried out extensive strikes in Lebanon over the past month, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and launching a ground invasion in some areas. The conflict has spread from Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Lebanon to the capital, Beirut, with civilians bearing the brunt of the damage.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing war has caused mass displacement across Lebanon, with around 1.4 million people—500,000 of them children—forced to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 800,000 of these displaced individuals are now in overcrowded shelters, while others have crossed into Syria in search of safety.
Lebanon’s healthcare system, already strained by years of underfunding, is collapsing under the pressure of the war. Hospitals near conflict zones have been evacuated due to airstrikes, and the country’s government is struggling to meet the rising demand for medical services and other basic needs.
Political Instability and International Pressure
Lebanon’s political situation remains precarious, with the country having been without a president for two years due to a deadlock among its political factions. Hezbollah continues to operate as a state within a state, controlling much of southern Lebanon and wielding significant military power.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres addressed Lebanon’s political paralysis in a pre-recorded message to the Paris conference. He urged the country’s leaders to take decisive action to ensure that state institutions can address Lebanon’s pressing political and security challenges.
Strengthening UN Peacekeepers
The Paris conference also discussed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a peacekeeping mission with 10,500 soldiers tasked with maintaining stability along the Lebanon-Israel border. European nations such as France, Italy, and Spain contribute a significant portion of UNIFIL’s forces.
Italy, which has over 1,000 troops in UNIFIL, is pushing for the peacekeeping mission to be strengthened. Italian diplomats expressed concern that UNIFIL needs additional resources to respond to the “new situation” on the ground, as fighting between Hezbollah and Israel intensifies.
Guterres underscored the importance of protecting U.N. peacekeepers, warning that attacks against them violate international law and may constitute war crimes.
Conclusion: A Global Effort for Lebanon’s Recovery
France’s deep historical ties to Lebanon, combined with its diplomatic influence, make it a key player in coordinating international efforts to support the country. Middle East expert Rym Montaz noted that without a robust Lebanese military and a well-supported UNIFIL force, peace and stability along the Lebanon-Israel border will remain elusive.
The Paris conference marked a significant step toward addressing the humanitarian and security crisis in Lebanon, but the road to recovery will be long and difficult. The international community will need to maintain its commitment to Lebanon as the conflict continues to unfold.
