The European Commission announced Thursday a humanitarian aid allocation of 30 million euros "to help the most vulnerable in Lebanon," in a statement published on its website. This aid "adds to the 10 million euros already announced on Sept. 29," bringing the European Union's (EU) total humanitarian aid to Lebanon to "over 104 million euros this year."

This announcement comes as hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel continue to escalate. Lebanese authorities, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, recently requested help from the United Nations, particularly to support displaced populations in Lebanon, estimated at over one million people — marking the worst displacement in the country's history.

Quoted in the statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "I am extremely concerned by the ongoing escalation of tensions in the Middle East. All parties must do everything possible to protect the lives of innocent civilians. Today, we are stepping up our humanitarian assistance for the Lebanese people. Our new funding will ensure civilians receive the essential support they need in these very challenging times. We continue to call for a cease-fire at the border with Lebanon and in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages."

This new emergency aid package will provide food assistance, shelter, and healthcare, among other essential support. "It is estimated that nearly 2 million Lebanese and Syrian refugees are food insecure. This figure is expected to rise further," added the European Commission. Since 2011, the EU has allocated more than 971 million euros in humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of both the Lebanese population and refugees, the statement noted.