Hajjar began by expressing condolences to the families of the fallen, condemning the ongoing "aggression we are witnessing across all Lebanese territories." 

He detailed that since Oct. 14, the Ministry had launched multiple plans targeting specific citizen groups. "To date, we have transferred funds to 166,700 families benefiting from the AMAN and the poorest families programs, amounting to $19,342,000. This funding comes from the Lebanese state through a loan from the World Bank, with regular transfers expected at the end of each month starting this month," Hajjar noted.

In January, the World Bank-funded AMAN program, which initially spanned 12 months starting in 2022 and was later extended for an additional 12 months, continued to support vulnerable Lebanese households with cash assistance. The program was designed to provide financial relief amid Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis, with selected households receiving $25 per month as a base amount, and an additional $20 per month per family member, up to a maximum of six members.

China 'assists 10,000 families in the South'

In addition, Hajjar reported that the ministry has initiated cash transfers from a Chinese grant, assisting 10,000 families across seven districts in the South. As of today, 8,600 families have withdrawn the financial aid, while 1,400 families have received notifications but have not yet accessed their funds. "We will begin contacting these families next week to facilitate their receipt of this support, valued at $100," he said.

Hajjar also explained that the ministry provided $40 to individuals with disabilities aged 15 to 30. Additionally, an extra $100 was allocated to families in Baalbek-Hermel, southern suburbs, and the South. "These funds come from a grant totaling $1,340,000," he added. 

The World Food Program (WFP) has also provided emergency assistance amounting to $1,133,000 for the poorest families in the southern districts. "Last month, the total cash amounts transferred reached $21,507,000. When combined with the Chinese grant, this totals $22,507,000," he stated.

Hajjar emphasized the collaborative efforts with the WFP to initiate cash transfers for those who have not benefited from the AMAN and the poorest families programs. "A transfer of $5,200,000 is currently underway to support 53,000 Lebanese families, with the process continuing tomorrow," he said.

Support 'expanded' amid ongoing war

The selection criteria for the benefiting families include those previously registered in the poorest families program, those who had been receiving food assistance from WFP but were dropped due to funding shortages, and families from areas severely affected by bombings or casualties since Oct. 8. "We have expanded our support to include all who have not benefited from the AMAN and poorest families programs, adhering to specific criteria," Hajjar clarified.

Hajjar assured that additional transfers would occur next month for these families, with a commitment to increasing the number of beneficiaries as assessments continue. He announced a third transfer planned for the following month for an even larger group.

"All these efforts are merely a drop in the ocean of needs. We are working diligently to respond to this catastrophic situation in Lebanon,” he concluded.