France Announces 100-million Euros for Lebanon

3 mins

France’s President is looking to raise about AED15m in funds to address humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli bombing

France has pledged to provide a 100-million euro (AED 396 million) package to support Lebanon as President Emmanuel Macron said massive aid is needed to support the country where war has killed more than 2,500 people and displaced a million more.

Italy also announced new aid of 10 million euros and Germany on Wednesday pledged an additional 60 million euros for people in the war-torn country.

‘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,’ Macron said in his opening speech at a conference in Paris focusing on the conflict.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France

Macron condemned Israel for continuing its military operations in Lebanon, ‘in the South, in Beirut, elsewhere, and that the number of civilian victims continues to rise,’ and reiterated his call for a ceasefire.

Paris also seeks to help restore the country’s sovereignty and strengthen its institutions.

Related Story World Must Come to Lebanon’s Aid says United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

France’s historic links with Lebanon, a former colony, and its influential diplomacy, give Paris momentum to coordinate ‘a proper response to the massive challenge that the war in Lebanon now poses,’ said Middle East expert Rym Montaz, editor in chief of Strategic Europe.

The French ‘are trying to make sure that international donors get to hear firsthand from the actors on the ground in Lebanon who can best describe the most immediate needs caused by the Israeli aggression that has forcibly displaced 20 per cent of the Lebanese population over the course of two weeks,’ she added.

Lebanon bombed

Israel in the past month has launched a major aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Lebanon with strikes hitting the capital, Beirut, and elsewhere.

The International Organization for Migration has said about 800,000 people are displaced, with many now in overcrowded shelters, while others have fled across the border into Syria.

The cash-strapped Lebanese government is ill-prepared to deal with the crisis or the increased demands on its health system. A number of hospitals have been evacuated because of nearby airstrikes and fears that they might be targeted.

France Toughens Stance

In recent weeks, Macron appeared to toughen his stance against Israel while repeatedly calling for a cease-fire in both Lebanon and Gaza, condemning the ‘unbearable human toll.’

He reiterated his call on Monday while speaking by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said.

Macron has also strongly condemned what he called the ‘deliberate’ targeting by Israel of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, a policy which Israel has denied.

This week’s conference involves ministers and officials from over 70 countries and international organisations, including the European Union and regional partners, Macron’s office said. Acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Macron on Wednesday (October 23rd).

France also aims at co-ordinating international support to strengthen Lebanon’s armed forces so they can ‘deploy more broadly and efficiently’ in the country’s south as part of a potential deal to end the war.

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