Beirut Welcomes Humanitarian Aid From Gulf States
A Saudi plane carrying relief and medical aid at Beirut airport. ©Al Markazia

Lebanon continues to receive much-needed humanitarian aid from several countries as it grapples with a worsening crisis and escalation of the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia

The second plane from Saudi Arabia's relief air bridge to Lebanon arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut on Monday, carrying 30 tons of aid. This follows a previous shipment as part of a series of ongoing relief and medical aid flights. The Saudi aid campaign is set to deliver between 35 to 40 tons of essential supplies daily.

The plane was welcomed by Lebanon’s caretaker Ministers of Environment and Economy, Nasser Yassin and Amin Salam, alongside Major General Mohammad Khair, Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Commission.

Amin Salam emphasized that this initiative “not only provides much-needed assistance but also highlights Lebanon's strong ties with the Arab world, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which has consistently supported the country.”

Major General Khair expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support, noting that the relief flights will continue throughout the week.

“Saudi Arabia has always stood by Lebanon during its most difficult times. This ongoing aid is crucial for alleviating the people’s suffering,” he stated.

Oman and Qatar Join the Effort

In addition to Saudi assistance, an Omani aid plane carrying relief and medical supplies also arrived in Beirut.

Minister Yassin, who welcomed the aid alongside the Ministers of Economy and Public Health, expressed appreciation for Oman’s timely assistance, stating, “This support from Oman will provide much-needed relief to the many displaced individuals who are suffering as a result of the Israeli aggression.”

Meanwhile, a Qatari military plane landed, delivering medical and relief supplies as part of Qatar’s ongoing airlift campaign.

The UAE

An Emirati plane also arrived in Beirut, carrying aid for Lebanon under the initiative titled "The UAE Stands with You, Lebanon."

Venezuela

Lebanese Ambassador to Venezuela, Elias Lebbos, oversaw the collection and packaging of Venezuelan aid destined for Lebanon.

In coordination with the Venezuelan government and the Lebanese community, efforts to intensify donations and increase various forms of assistance are underway.

Israeli Airstrike Hits Aid Convoy in the Town of Al-Ain

Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out an airstrike around noon on Monday in the town of Al-Ain in northern Beqaa, targeting solar panel shops. The attack coincided with the passage of an aid convoy consisting of three trucks heading towards the town of Ras Baalbeck. It was reported that one of the trucks was damaged and its driver injured.

Bashir Khodr, the governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, who was leading the convoy, stated, “The Israeli airstrike occurred while the aid convoy was passing in the town of Al-Ain. We are currently ensuring that all individuals and vehicles are safe.”

Later, Khodr indicated that “the three trucks have reached Ras Baalbeck. All were slightly damaged, but thankfully, the aid remains intact.”

 

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