The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs today delivered nearly 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the Lebanese civilian population, including solar lamps supplied by the NGO Electriciens sans Frontières, tents, blankets and other essential goods. This shipment represents the first concrete step in fulfilling the commitments made by the President of France at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty, held in Paris on 24 October, which mobilized the international community in support of a massive and urgent humanitarian response to the crisis in Lebanon. Faced with the consequences of the war, the conference participants responded to the United Nations' appeal and announced $1 billion in aid, including $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million to support Lebanon's security forces. France has pledged to raise €100 million and deploy 100 tonnes of humanitarian freight.
France would like to thank the European Union for arranging the flight that enabled the delivery of French aid. The cargo was handed over to two French NGOs and one Lebanese NGO, France's humanitarian partners fully engaged in the emergency response in Lebanon.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs had already carried out two humanitarian freight shipments to Lebanon prior to the 24 October conference, including one in cooperation with Qatar. Nearly 40 tonnes of medicines, medical supplies and other essential goods were delivered to Lebanese hospitals and international and local humanitarian NGOs.
The Conference underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and for a diplomatic settlement based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, making it possible to ensure the safety of the populations and the safe return of displaced people to their homes in Lebanon and Israel.