France Announces €100 Million Aid Package to Support Lebanon, Says Macron

Photo : PTI

In a crucial international conference held on Thursday, France committed to providing a substantial aid package of €100 million (approximately $108 million) to support Lebanon, as President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in light of the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. The war has led to the displacement of over a million people, with more than 2,500 casualties, exacerbating the country's already dire economic situation.

During his opening remarks at the conference, Macron emphasized the immediate need for aid for both the hundreds of thousands displaced by the conflict and the communities accommodating them. The French government aims to ensure that participants at the conference raise the necessary funds to meet the United Nations' appeal for $426 million in urgent humanitarian aid for Lebanon.

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Italy announced a new aid package of €10 million (around $10.8 million), and Germany pledged an additional €60 million (approximately $64.7 million) to assist the Lebanese people during this challenging time.

Macron condemned the ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, noting that civilian casualties continue to rise. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the Lebanese population.

The conference aims to address Lebanon's sovereignty and strengthen its institutions, which have been weakened by the ongoing crisis. Notably, the country has been without a president for two years, as political factions struggle to reach an agreement on a new leader. Critics have pointed out that Macron's diplomatic approach to the Middle East has become increasingly unclear and at times chaotic.

Despite these challenges, France's historic ties to Lebanon, as a former colonial power, and its influential diplomatic position enable it to coordinate a robust response to the challenges posed by the current war. Middle East expert Rym Montaz noted that France is working to ensure that international donors receive firsthand accounts from on-the-ground actors in Lebanon to better understand the immediate needs arising from the Israeli conflict, which has displaced 20% of the population in just two weeks.

In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its aerial bombardment and ground operations in Lebanon, particularly targeting Hezbollah. The International Organization for Migration reported that approximately 800,000 people are currently displaced, with many residing in overcrowded shelters or fleeing to Syria.

The Lebanese government, already in a state of financial crisis, is ill-equipped to address the escalating humanitarian needs. Many hospitals have been evacuated due to nearby airstrikes and fears of direct targeting. Macron has increasingly taken a firm stance against Israel, repeatedly calling for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza and condemning the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

The conference, attended by representatives from over 70 countries and international organizations, including the European Union, aims to gather support for the Lebanese armed forces. France is seeking to coordinate international assistance to strengthen the Lebanese military's capabilities, allowing them to operate more effectively in the south, potentially paving the way for Hezbollah's withdrawal from the border region.

Macron's office indicated that international support for the Lebanese armed forces might include equipment, training, and financial aid, essential for enhancing the military's operational capacity. The Lebanese army, significantly affected by the five-year economic crisis, operates with an aging arsenal and lacks air defenses, making it vulnerable to Israeli incursions.

The Lebanese military consists of about 80,000 personnel, with approximately 5,000 stationed in the south, while Hezbollah boasts more than 100,000 fighters, according to their late leader Hassan Nasrallah. The group's advanced arsenal has been supported by Iran.

The conference will also address support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which comprises 10,500 soldiers, with significant contributions from European nations, including France, Italy, and Spain. Italy is particularly advocating for the enhancement of the peacekeeping force to effectively respond to the evolving situation on the ground.

As Montaz pointed out, sustainable peace and stability at the Lebanon-Israel border hinge on strengthening both the Lebanese armed forces and UNIFIL. Therefore, France's efforts are deemed crucial for navigating the way forward in this challenging landscape.

Oct. 24, 2024 4:03 p.m. 459

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