Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) is sending urgent food aid to Lebanon.
This aid will reach 250,000 people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict, and will be distributed in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
This assistance underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting its Arab neighbours and reflects the nation’s deeply held humanitarian values and sense of responsibility.
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, secretary-general of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, stated that this aid reflects the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to stand by those in need, particularly by providing essential support during times of crisis.
“This support for our Lebanese brothers and sisters, delivered through MBRGI in partnership with the WFP, demonstrates the UAE’s continued dedication to providing aid to those facing crises and humanitarian challenges in the Arab world,” Al Gergawi said.
He added that MBRGI continues to develop programmes and partnerships to fulfil the UAE leadership’s vision of extending support to neighboring countries.
EU’s air bridge
Meanwhile, the European Union has launched its ‘Humanitarian Air Bridge’ operation consisting of three flights from Dubai and Brindisi in Italy, with the first one reaching Beirut on October 11.
The flights will transport EU-owned stocks including hygiene items, blankets and emergency shelter kits, among other items.
The EU said that it is mobilizing all the emergency response tools at its disposal to support people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon.
Furthermore, though the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, aid from Spain, Slovakia, Poland, France and Belgium is being delivered to Beirut since last week, with further aid from Greece to be transported in the coming days.
1.2 million people affected
According to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) in Lebanon, more than 1.2 million people have been affected by the current crisis in Lebanon, with hundreds of thousands displaced from seven frontline areas in the country’s south bordering Israel, along with the southern suburbs of Beirut.
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