A man stands on the rubble of a building that was destroyed in an Israeli air strike on the Mreijeh neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Oct. 24, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
The United Kingdom announced a pledge of £15 million (around $19.4 million) of humanitarian assistance in support of Lebanon. This package was revealed at the Paris Conference in support of Lebanon by the British Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Faulkner.
“We are also committing £15 million to respond to the humanitarian emergency in Lebanon, supporting food, medicine and clean water", the minister announced.
In his speech, Faulkner also noted that "the situation in Lebanon worsens every day, and the number of civilian casualties is rising." "The risk of further escalation cannot be overstated. We cannot allow Lebanon to become another Gaza. That is why the UK reiterates its call today for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon," he said.
"We must work with the Lebanese army, the only legitimate defender of the Lebanese state, to support Lebanon's security and stability," he emphasized during the event. "A political solution in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 is the only solution and the only way to ensure a stable future for those affected on both sides of the Blue Line," he added.
"We must not forget that this conflict started when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, forcing Israelis to flee their homes. Just as the UK stands with Israel and recognizes its right to defend itself against Iran's illegal attacks, Iran must immediately cease these attacks and tell its proxies to stop," the British minister also remarked.
Faulkner further reminded that "humanitarian workers striving to alleviate suffering in Lebanon must be allowed to carry out their duties safely, including U.N. personnel who play a crucial role in resolving and mitigating armed conflicts." "Britain condemns all threats to the safety of UNIFIL (the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon)," he affirmed, calling on all parties in the conflict to take all necessary precautions to avoid civilian deaths and injuries and to protect critical infrastructure.
The British official reiterated the call for an immediate cease-fire, the release of all hostages, and an increase in aid. "We must focus all our efforts on stopping this cycle of violence," he concluded.
