UK bolsters humanitarian support to Lebanon
The UK is boosting its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million to respond to the mass displacement of people, as well as the growing number of civilian casualties, the British embassy said.
“The funding comes as the UK continues to urge all British nationals to leave the country as soon as possible, and for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701 and enable civilians on both sides to return to their homes,” the embassy said in a statement.
The aid package responds to “serious concerns over a widespread lack of shelter, and reduced access to essential services and supplies including education, clean water and healthcare. It will be delivered through trusted humanitarian organizations, who have a long-established presence delivering aid within Lebanon,” the embassy added.
The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies.
The U.N.’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which the UK is one of the largest donors to, this week also allocated £7.6m to respond to the urgent conflict-related needs and displacement in Lebanon.
Anneliese Dodds, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, said: “The human cost of the conflict in Lebanon is clear for all to see. This additional funding from the UK will help to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, providing relief for people displaced by the continuing violence.”
“This lifesaving aid is vital, but not a long-term solution. The only way to truly address the growing humanitarian crisis is an immediate ceasefire adhered to by both sides,” Dodds said.
“We continue to urge British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately,” Dodds added.
On Thursday, the British government announced that it is also organizing more flights to help British nationals leave Lebanon. More than 150 British nationals and dependants left Beirut on a government-organized flight on Wednesday.
British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.
“The UK continues to work with partners to increase capacity on commercial flights for British nationals. Around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning,” the statement said.
British Defense Secretary John Healey traveled to Cyprus yesterday to meet and thank deployed military personnel.
Source: Naharnet
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