Abdullah Abu Deif (Beirut)
The Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership, praising the generous donation made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, to support Lebanon in confronting the humanitarian crises it is going through.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that the UAE would provide urgent humanitarian donations amounting to $100 million to help the Lebanese people in light of the tense events and the increasing urgent humanitarian need for thousands of people in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, stressing that the UAE’s leadership and people stand by the Lebanese people. .
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a press statement expressing its concern about the increasing tensions in Lebanon, calling for the implementation of international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions to prevent the escalation of the situation, and the necessity of preserving civilian lives.
The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed the importance of implementing Resolution 1701 during the coming period, and Lebanon’s full readiness to implement it to prevent an increase in violence, and to call for peace between all parties to preserve the lives of civilians and prevent human suffering.
Mikati pointed out that this generous initiative, presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflects the strong fraternal relations between the two countries, and confirms the humanitarian commitment of the UAE to assist and support the Arab peoples in times of crises. He said: “This donation reflects the authenticity of the UAE and its wise leadership, which has always been Lebanon’s permanent support in times of distress, and it is a new confirmation of the historical ties between our two peoples.”
The Lebanese Prime Minister added that the UAE support will alleviate the humanitarian suffering experienced by the Lebanese people, and contribute to improving the conditions of many affected families. Mikati stressed that these noble positions enhance hope for a better future for Lebanon, and give a great impetus to the humanitarian efforts being made in the country.
Mikati concluded his statements by renewing his thanks and appreciation to the UAE and its leadership, wishing that the fraternal relations between the two countries would continue to develop and grow in a way that serves common interests and enhances Arab solidarity.
Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in Lebanon announced that the caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Reda, yesterday launched an urgent humanitarian appeal for Lebanon worth $426 million to meet the humanitarian needs of civilians affected by the hostilities. . A statement issued by the United Nations mission in Lebanon said yesterday, “The urgent appeal was launched at the Government Palace in Beirut, in the presence of representatives of United Nations organizations, member states, the international community, and local and international partners.” The statement added: Since September 17, 2024, Lebanon has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the number of civilian casualties and displacement, which has greatly increased the enormous burden of violence that has continued for more than 11 months.
In the past two weeks alone, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives, more than 6,000 others have been injured, and the Lebanese authorities estimate that about one million people have been directly affected or displaced since October 2023. The statement announced that these alarming numbers continue to rise, further exacerbating the crisis that has burdened The country’s resources and infrastructure are essentially damaged, which particularly affects the poorest and most needy groups. He pointed out that the urgent humanitarian appeal aims to support about one million people affected by the hostilities by meeting basic vital needs in areas such as food, basic assistance, shelter, health care, water, and municipal services, noting that the funds will be directed to humanitarian partners who They are working together as part of the government-led emergency response.
The Humanitarian Coordinator, Imran Reda, warned, according to the statement, that without sufficient financial resources, we are leaving an entire people facing a humanitarian catastrophe and abandoning our humanitarian duty and principles. He added: Resources are very important, but they will not solve the crisis alone if civilians continue to be targeted. We must move quickly and decisively to ensure that those affected receive the basic support they need. Equally, all parties must fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, specifically with regard to protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian access. Reda said: Our goal is to build on the existing strong cooperation and coordination by working closely with the government and partner ministries.
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