Paris conference rallies $1 billion in aid for Lebanon as Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise

The International Conference on Lebanon, held in Paris, has successfully raised $1 billion in humanitarian and military aid for Lebanon, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced.

Of this amount, around $800 million was gathered specifically to support humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, while an additional $200 million was allocated to the Lebanese army, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

French President Emmanuel Macron further committed 100 million euros for Lebanon and urged an immediate cessation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Macron emphasized the importance of "reaffirming Lebanon's sovereignty" and empowering "the Lebanese to regain control of their destiny."

Since late September, Israel has intensified airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Beirut, with the Israel Defense Forces confirming limited ground raids on Hezbollah positions near the southern border. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israeli territory on a near-daily basis.

The Netherlands also pledged 4 million euros for humanitarian support to Lebanon, as Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, participating in the Paris conference, made the announcement.

“Escalation, civilian casualties, and widespread displacement on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border concern us all and demand action,” Veldkamp posted on X (formerly Twitter). "A diplomatic solution in line with UN Security Council resolutions is essential to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and ensure regional stability and peace."

Veldkamp noted that many countries back this approach, adding, “The key factor is a long-term plan for stability and security. Supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces is crucial in this regard. We must also continue to address the population's humanitarian needs, and the Netherlands is allocating 4 million euros for this purpose.”

Germany pledged a total of 96 million euros in humanitarian aid to both Lebanon and neighbouring Syria, also deeply affected by escalating violence in the Middle East. Italy announced this week an additional 10 million euros ($10.8 million) in aid for Lebanon.

By Tamilla Hasanova