The Paris International Conference in support of Lebanon, held on Thursday, successfully raised around $800 million for humanitarian aid, relief efforts, and to support Lebanon’s economy, along with an additional $200 million for the Lebanese army, according to French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during the conference’s opening, announced that France would contribute €100 million ($108 million) to Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the conflict. He added that the primary aim of this support is to affirm Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Over 70 nations and international organizations gather
For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed the importance of a unified international response to end the conflict. He also underlined the need for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, to ensure the safety of the population and the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.
The Paris International Conference is part of global efforts to help Lebanon cope with the aftermath of the recent war which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. It gathered over 70 nations and international organizations.
The United States pledged to provide about $300 million in aid while Germany pledged a total of 96 million euros in humanitarian aid to both Lebanon and neighboring Syria, also deeply affected by escalating violence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Italy announced this week an additional 10 million euros ($10.8 million) in aid for Lebanon.
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UN calls for over $400 million in aid
In his opening remarks at the Paris International Conference, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during this difficult period, noting that the primary goal of the conference is to respond to the United Nations’ appeal to raise over $400 million to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those displaced by the conflict.
The International Organization for Migration said that about 800,000 people are displaced, with many now in overcrowded shelters, while others have fled across the border into Syria. Mikati on Thursday estimated the number of displaced people is over 1.4 million, including 500,000 children.
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