Global Leaders Unite in Paris, Pledge Over $1 Billion for Lebanon’s Humanitarian and Security Needs Amid Crisis
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Raven Ruma
- . October 25, 2024
- . Update: October 25, 2024 7:59 pm
More than fifty nations gathered in Paris on Thursday to provide over $1 billion in humanitarian and security help to Lebanon in a potent show of world unity. The conference underlined the critical necessity of worldwide support to stabilize Lebanon and stop more escalation of violence in the area, as both humanitarian and security issues aggravating everyday in the country show. Declaring the result, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, “We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces.” Along with participation from important countries throughout the globe, the meeting drew high-level officials from big international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union.
The Crisis of Lebanon: A Nation on Approach to Collapse
A deteriorating humanitarian and financial crisis brought on by the continuous conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has found Lebanon at its epicenter. In what has been one of the most catastrophic increases of violence in Lebanon since the 2006 war, over a million Lebanese have been displaced and hundreds murdered. Apart from uprooting people, the violence has aggravated Lebanon’s economic freefall, further complicating initiatives to fix a government beset with years of political deadlock. Rising dramatically among this upheaval, sectarian tensions have also generated further concerns about the social and political future of Lebanon. In his inaugural speech, French President Emmanuel Macron underlined the urgent need of “massive aid” to reduce immediate suffering, preserve the delicate social fabric of the country, and support initiatives to stop total state failure.
International Commitments: Notable Rebuilding Lebanon Pledges
The summit had a robust reaction with many nations pledging funds for Lebanon’s immediate needs. Leading with a €100 million ($108 million donation meant to address humanitarian needs as well as the strengthening of Lebanese institutions) was France. Germany came next, pledging €96 million, while the United Kingdom promised £15 million ($19.5 million) for relief. Ireland further highlighted their dedication by making a €5 million emergency aid contribution. Apart from financial donations, some nations promised technical support and tangible resources meant to guarantee the timely delivery of relief to the most vulnerable groups in Lebanon.
Middle Eastern officials including the United Arab Emirates underlined the need for regional support. With 50 plane loads of vital supplies coming in Lebanon on Friday, the UAE has been an active participant having promised $130 million since the start of the conflict. Representing the UAE, Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi underlined that regional cooperation is crucial for Lebanon’s rehabilitation and that only consistent, all-encompassing support can let Lebanon emerge from its present level of unrest. Al Kaabi underlined even further the UAE’s stance on Resolution 1701, which demands that Israel recognize Lebanon’s sovereignty and calls for a withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon and thereby marks essential steps towards a peaceful future in Lebanon.
Political Deadlock and the Demand for a New President
The protracted political deadlock in Lebanon, with a two-year presidential vacancy, was another major issue. Many conference delegates expressed that attaining long-term peace and security depends on Lebanon’s political stability being fundamental. Reflecting these issues, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati pushed for quick action to break the impasse, name a new president, and fortify Lebanon’s institutions—which have suffered under the economic crisis. Saying, “Today, I feel that Lebanon is not alone,” Mikati expressed gratitude for the worldwide assistance and noted the severe scars left by the conflict. He then urged further mobilization and togetherness to help the country through its several challenges.
Despite significant resource constraints affecting their operations, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been essential in preserving internal security of Lebanon during the conflict. Representing the LAF at the conference, Brig. Gen. Youssef Haddad focused much of the promised assistance on strengthening Lebanon’s military capacity. Although the cabinet of Lebanon recently approved the hiring of 1,500 more troops, both Macron and Mikati argued for raising this number to 6,000 so the LAF may efficiently handle security issues.
The backing for the LAF highlights a more general, strategic issue about the stability of Lebanon. Often among the few organizations able to keep Lebanon’s varied social fabric together among sectarian conflicts intact, is the army of the nation. Conference attendees underlined that a strong and well-supported LAF is not only necessary to combat armed groups but also to preserve law and order in an era of unheard-before turbulence. Though Deputy Secretary Richard Verma represented Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States was one of the biggest contributors, offering $300 million especially intended for Lebanon’s military and police. Responding to rumors on U.S.-France relations, Barrot stressed that both nations remain absolutely in line in their support for the future of Lebanon.
Humanitarian Emergency in Lebanon: Ground-Based Urgent Aid Needed
International leaders underlined the urgent and acute needs experienced by millions of Lebanese people as Lebanon balances on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. The UN has already calculated that Lebanon’s most pressing humanitarian needs are almost $426 million. For communities devastated by war, the help promised at the Paris summit will offer life-saving support including medical supplies, food, housing, and simple infrastructure repairs.
The temporary Prime Minister, Mikati, expressed thanks as well as grief, effectively capturing the degree of pain in Lebanon. “My heart is heavy; we have to be more and more mobilized and active to support our nation.” Speaking with Barrot, Mikati emphasized the great damage previous bombings have caused, including damage to vital infrastructure that further compromises Lebanon’s capacity to meet its population needs.
A Call for Ceasefire: Diplomatic Difficulties in a Divided Nation
Seeing it as absolutely necessary to stop Lebanon’s total instability, international delegates also made passionate pleas for a ceasefire. Although no delegates from Iran or Israel were present, the need of defusing conflict was well understood. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Michael Martin said to reporters Lebanon’s sensitive status as a “multiethnic, multi religious community” with “reaching connections across the world.” He underlined that the present state of affairs in Lebanon is “a very dangerous situation that needs to de-escalate rapidly,” and that every action should be done to stop more violence from spreading over the country.
Though immediate help is promised, Lebanon still faces enormous difficulties. Speaking to conference delegates, French President Macron underlined that if Lebanon is to have any chance of long-term stability, international help has to be continuous rather than sporadic. Reflecting the attitude of many at the conference, Macron committed France to actively supporting Lebanon’s recovery, stressing the need of continuous diplomatic and financial support as Lebanon negotiates the consequences of years of political corruption, economic mismanagement, and foreign conflicts.
The conference came to an end with a common understanding that the stability of Lebanon is not only important for its own people but also for the security of the Middle East as whole. Lebanon now has the difficult challenge of rebuilding from inside as nations commit their ongoing support; only with coordinated worldwide backing will the country be able to once more discover a road to resilience, security, and prosperity.
