France Commits 100 Million Euros in Aid to Crisis-Stricken Lebanon

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France has pledged 100 million euros (approximately USD 107 million) in aid to Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need for international support amid the country's ongoing crisis. The announcement was made during an international conference in Paris aimed at rallying aid for Lebanon. According to Kuwait News Agency, President Macron highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing conflict, which has displaced a million people, resulted in over 2,500 deaths, and exacerbated Lebanon's economic turmoil. Macron stressed the necessity of immediate assistance for both the displaced Lebanese population and the communities hosting them. He further expressed his intent to support the Lebanese army in re-establishing control in the country's south, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701. In recent weeks, Macron has taken a firmer stance against Israeli occupation, persistently advocating for a cease-fire in both Lebanon and Gaza and condemni ng the significant human casualties. Beyond the financial pledge, Macron affirmed France's commitment to equip the Lebanese military as part of broader stabilization efforts. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who also addressed the conference, urged the international community to unite in efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire. Mikati reported that Israeli occupation attacks have rendered 13 hospitals non-operational and displaced an estimated 1.4 million people. The conference, which included 70 delegations and 15 international organizations, seeks to raise at least USD 400 million in humanitarian aid to address Lebanon's urgent needs.