MENA Newswire News Desk: The European Commission has announced an additional €30 million in humanitarian aid to assist those most affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. This new funding follows a previous commitment of €10 million made on September 29, bringing the EU’s total humanitarian support for Lebanon this year to more than €104 million.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep concern about the rising tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to protect civilians. “I am extremely concerned by the constant escalation of tensions in the Middle East. All parties must do their utmost to protect the lives of innocent civilians,” von der Leyen said in a statement. She added that the additional aid is intended to ensure that vulnerable communities in Lebanon receive much-needed assistance during these difficult times.
The newly allocated funds will be directed toward urgent food relief, shelter, and healthcare services, addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by the crisis. The European Commission is also working to facilitate the delivery of critical supplies to Beirut through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need as quickly as possible.
Lebanon has faced severe challenges in recent years, exacerbated by an ongoing economic collapse and political instability. The humanitarian situation has been further worsened by the spillover from the conflict in neighboring Syria and recent escalations along Lebanon’s southern border. In her remarks, von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s call for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, urging all parties involved to halt violence and work toward a peaceful resolution.
“We continue to call for a ceasefire across the border with Lebanon and in Gaza, as well as for the release of all hostages,” she said. The European Union remains one of the largest humanitarian donors to Lebanon, consistently providing aid aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians. The latest funding aims to provide timely relief and help stabilize the situation amid escalating regional tensions. The aid package comes as international organizations and governments warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, further stressing the importance of immediate support from the global community.