France Pledges $11M in Emergency Aid to Lebanon During FM’s Beirut Visit

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Monday, highlighting the urgency of electing a new president in Lebanon and calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to a Bkirki spokesperson.

Barrot arrived in Lebanon on Sunday evening, making him the first senior foreign official to visit since the escalation of Israeli air strikes.

In a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Barrot conveyed France’s call for “an immediate halt” to the Israeli strikes. On Monday, he is also scheduled to meet with key Lebanese leaders, including Army Chief Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

 

France Delivers 12 Tons of Medical Aid to Lebanon

France has provided 12 tons of medical supplies to Lebanon, which includes two mobile clinics capable of treating 1,000 critically injured patients currently in hospitals across the country, according to a statement from the French Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, French military aircraft have delivered vital medicine to Lebanese emergency, pediatric, and general hospitals and clinics, many of which have been overwhelmed by the influx of injured people since Israel’s bombardment began over a week ago.

During his visit to Beirut, Barrot announced that France would allocate 10 million euros ($11.1 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to support local organizations, especially the Lebanese Red Cross.

“In the midst of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, France stands in solidarity with Lebanon and remains committed to protecting civilians,” the statement read.