- UK pledges a new package to address the dire humanitarian
crisis
- joint visit steps up humanitarian support and underscores
close partnership between the UK, France and Qatar
- UK Development Minister calls on all sides to use the
opportunity presented by the recent agreement to restore
stability, uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians, and comply
with international humanitarian law
UK funding will deliver vital humanitarian support including
food, healthcare and education to people affected by the crisis
in Lebanon, as Development Minister visits the country with her
French and Qatari counterparts.
During her first ministerial visit to Lebanon, the minister met
displaced families in Beirut, thanked emergency workers for their
continued efforts, and underscored the importance of regional
stability and adherence to the ceasefire.
The joint visit underlines the importance of international
cooperation in responding to the humanitarian situation and the
need for urgent de-escalation. The UK, France and Qatar
emphasised their strong support for the government and people of
Lebanon, and their shared commitment to delivering humanitarian
assistance in close partnership with Lebanese authorities.
The new £13 million UK package will help deliver vital
assistance to people affected by the crisis in Lebanon,
including the provision of food, healthcare, education and other
basic services.
The funding will be delivered in cooperation with the Government
of Lebanon through trusted humanitarian partners working closely
with local communities. This is in addition to £30 million
already announced by the UK since March to respond to the crisis
and support urgent humanitarian need.
The minister will continue her visit tomorrow (19 June), handing
over 8 UK-funded ambulances to the Lebanese Red Cross alongside
Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.
Minister for Development said:
The recent US-Iran agreement is an important step forward in
reducing tensions, supporting regional stability, and reopening
vital routes for global trade. Our priority now is to support its
implementation and help create the conditions for a lasting
peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon.
Reckless and disproportionate Israeli escalation in Lebanon must
end, as must Hizballah's attacks on Israel, which have dragged
the Lebanese people into yet another conflict they have not
chosen.
Here with my partners from France and Qatar, we've seen the
devastating impact of the conflict. We are coming together to
emphasise the importance of delivering stability in the Middle
East, and of a robust and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon.
We remain committed to working with the Government of Lebanon to
ensure they can deliver the response needed to support stability
and resilience.
The ministers also met with Lebanese leaders to underscore
support for the government and Lebanese sovereignty. Development
Minister welcomed recent direct talks
between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated support for diplomatic
efforts as the best route toward lasting peace, security and
stability.
The 3 ministers expressed deep concern at the consequences of the
conflict for civilians, including the scale of displacement,
impact on education, and dangers faced by first responders. They
urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire, and to support
implementation of the US-Iran deal to refocus peace efforts, and
protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The visit reflects close coordination between the UK, France and
Qatar on support for Lebanon, including on humanitarian issues
and engagement with the Lebanese Government.
The UK will continue to work with partners to support regional
stability and the effective implementation of the agreement,
including if required through preparations for a defensive,
independent multilateral mission to help ensure freedom of
navigation and support mine clearance efforts in the Strait of
Hormuz.
The UK is a longstanding partner of Lebanon and will continue
humanitarian, development and diplomatic engagement.
Background
The minister's visit to Lebanon includes joint engagements with
French and Qatari counterparts, alongside UK-specific elements
which will be conducted on 19 June.
