- 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 Jenny Chapman 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 Jenny Chapman 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 Jenny Chapman 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.