In light of the escalating situation in the Middle East and the evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon, the EU has mobilized emergency humanitarian aid consisting of food and medical kits, shelter materials, recreation kits and winter clothing kits, to meet the urgent, rising humanitarian needs in Lebanon. Due to ongoing hostilities, around 680,000+ people have been displaced there in recent days. The aid will be delivered via our humanitarian partners, the World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF.
The WFP will deliver 404 metric tonnes of food assistance to more than 90,000 people. The operation is funded by a flexible EU-WFP funding modality that allows for faster mobilization of pre-positioned food stocks and rapid provision of cooked meals in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe. This is the first time this emergency method of funding is used.
A Humanitarian Airbridge Flight will deliver medical and non-food items to UNICEF from the EU’s warehouse in Copenhagen, to cover the needs of more than 100,000 vulnerable people.
Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (pictured) said: “The people of Lebanon can count on the European Union. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes almost overnight. Europe is moving fast to help. Through our partners WFP and UNICEF, we are delivering food, medicine, and emergency supplies to people who have lost their homes and jobs. Our new Emergency Preparedness Trust Fund allows us to move more quickly than ever and be even more effective. We stand ready to scale up support for the most vulnerable at this difficult time.”
President Ursula von der Leyen, together with President Antonio Costa, expressed yesterday (9 March) deep concern about the impact of the regional crisis on Lebanon and its severe impact on civilians, triggering large scale displacement. They underscored the need for the protection of civilians, and the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
