Qatar sends aid and medical supplies to Lebanon amid the ongoing Israeli operation against Hezbollah. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lolwah al-Khater, arrived to Beirut on Tuesday to inaugurate "an air bridge of Qatari aid" to Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Al-Khater was received at the airport by caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, Qatar's ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, as well as representatives from the Airport's Security Apparatus and General Security, according to NNA.
Two Qatari military planes carrying aid and medical supplies arrived, with more shipments expected in the coming days.
The visit comes at a critical time, as Lebanon marks one year of the attrition conflict, which escalated into a war between Hezbollah and Israel in late September — with the Israeli army targeting the party across various regions in Lebanon, including Beirut and its suburbs. Over the past year, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, with nearly 9,800 others injured.
From the airport, Abiad said that this plane is the first of several that will help "address shortages in medical equipment and food supplies."
Meanwhile, Yassin said that the aid will be distributed "across all regions in a few days."
The Qatari minister met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail, in Beirut to discuss the ongoing aid efforts. The meeting was also attended by Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon, alongside Lebanese ministers, NNA reported.
Speaking after the meeting, al-Khater emphasized Qatar's "firm and unwavering stance" in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. She condemned the recent escalation of violence by Israeli forces and stressed the need for an "immediate cease-fire," noting that “if the international community had taken a firm stand against what was happening in Gaza, we would not have seen the conflict spread to the West Bank and now to Lebanon.” She also announced the launch of an "air bridge from Doha to Beirut."
For his part, Mikati expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s continued support, praising the country for standing by Lebanon during these challenging times.
Finally, al-Khater affirmed Qatar's support for the "Lebanese government, people and national institutions, led by the Health Ministry, which plays a heroic role and the health staff as well," adding that "Qatar continues to support the Lebanese Armed Forces."
