EU announces €10 million in emergency aid for Lebanon amid escalating conflict

The European Commission has announced an additional €10 million in humanitarian aid to support those affected by the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon.

This funding aims to address the most urgent needs, including protection, food assistance, shelter, and healthcare for displaced populations, Caliber.Az reports, citing the European Commission press service.

In a statement released today, the EU highlighted its readiness to provide further assistance by utilizing all available emergency response tools, including the Civil Protection Mechanism. This new allocation brings the EU's total humanitarian aid for Lebanon in 2024 to €74 million, aimed at helping vulnerable populations amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing conflict has led to significant displacement, with at least 90,530 people newly displaced in Lebanon, in addition to the 112,000 who have been uprooted since October 2023. Civilian casualties and injuries continue to mount as hostilities persist.

Lebanon, already grappling with high levels of poverty and food insecurity, is facing further strain as the conflict intensifies. Nearly 2 million Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees are currently food insecure, a number that is expected to rise.

Since 2011, the EU has provided over €941 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, targeting both Lebanese citizens and the country's significant refugee population. EU support includes healthcare, education, and legal protection, aimed at helping those most in need.

The EU has also organized Brussels Syria Conferences to address the needs of Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon, providing crucial support as Lebanon continues to face compounding crises.

By Khagan Isayev