Lebanon to get $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid
The World Health Organisation says Lebanon has been forced to shut one-third of its health facilities since the bombing started. Photo: TND
Australia is being urged to pull more of its weight within the international community by stumping up aid money for war-torn Lebanon.
While continuing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the Federal Government on Friday pledged an extra $10 million in humanitarian assistance for Lebanese civilians in crisis.
It is estimated more than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon by the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.
Another 2500 people have been killed in Lebanon, with most of the deaths following Israel’s invasion of the nation’s southern border in early October.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the conflict in Lebanon was taking a heavy toll.
“This additional contribution will help those in urgent need, through access to food, shelter and health care,” Wong said.
At a global conference for Lebanon overnight, 70 government delegations and 15 international organisations raised $1.5 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid and military support.
The United States pledged $451 million while Germany promised $156 million for both Lebanon and neighbouring Syria.
With its latest contribution, the Albanese government has committed $94.5 million towards humanitarian assistance for Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas’ deadly attack on about 1200 Israelis.
UNICEF Australia welcomed the extra aid, saying its international arm was working with government partners to deliver health and hygiene care, psychosocial support and shelters and host communities for displaced families.
“Many children and families have been victims of bombardment, losing loved ones and taking refuge in public buildings, informal settlements, shelters and schools,” a UNICEF Australia spokeswoman said.
Melanie Book from Save the Children Australia also welcomed the move but suggested Australia’s contribution should have been greater.
“We urgently call on Australia to bring the total commitment to $20 million in humanitarian relief to Lebanon in line with like-minded countries,” she said.
“We strongly reiterate the need for an immediate ceasefire to ensure safe humanitarian access, to stop the conflict from escalating further and prevent further suffering, particularly of children.”
French President Emmanuel Macron opened the conference in Paris and declared a ceasefire was a priority.
“More damage, more victims, more strikes will not enable the end of terrorism or ensure security for everyone,” Macron said.
World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Lebanon had been forced to shut down a third of its health-care facilities.
“The violence must end to prevent more loss and suffering,” he told the conference.
“The best medicine is peace.”
It was hoped the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar would hasten an end to the war in Gaza, where Hamas is holding Israeli hostages, but bombing has continued in the besieged strip as well as in Lebanon.
–AAP