European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday via her X account that the European Union is increasing its humanitarian aid to Lebanon, committing over 100 million euros this year.
The European Union on Thursday said it was giving an extra 30 million euros ($33 million) of humanitarian aid to Lebanon as fighting raged between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Today, we are stepping up our humanitarian aid to the people of Lebanon,” said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
“Our new funding will ensure civilians receive much needed assistance during this very difficult time.
“I am extremely concerned by the constant escalation of tensions in the Middle East. All parties must do their utmost to protect the lives of innocent civilians.”
The EU is stepping up its humanitarian aid to Lebanon, to over €100 million this year.
A new €30 million package will ensure civilians get much needed assistance.
Once again, we call for a ceasefire across the border with Lebanon and in Gaza, and the release of all hostages.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 3, 2024
The latest EU aid package comes on top of 10 million euros announced over the weekend, taking the bloc’s humanitarian assistance for Lebanon to over 100 million euros this year.
Von der Leyen also renewed her call for a ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border and in Gaza and urged the release of all hostages.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that a private Il-76 aircraft landed in Beirut on Thursday, delivering 33 tons of humanitarian aid.
According to the ministry’s statement, the cargo includes food, medicine, tents, essential supplies, and 80-kilowatt generators.
On Sunday, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance to one million people affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon.
The United Nations humanitarian agencies have also issued a $426 million appeal to support the one million people displaced by Israeli bombardments, which Israel has described as a “limited, localized, and targeted” ground operation in Lebanon, according to the UN statement.
