Lebanon, EU humanitarian airlift triggered

Brussels – The humanitarian airlift to Lebanon takes off. The European Union is taking action to meet the population’s needs in the wake of the deteriorating situation within the country. It thus seeks to shore up a state whose stability is key to the regional order. Basic necessities will be sent to the Cedar Country through three flights from Dubai and Brindisi, the first of which will arrive in Beirut on October 11. This humanitarian airlift aims to provide hygiene items, medical supplies, blankets and medicines. The European Commission’s services report that all goods are provided through EU-owned stocks.

All deliveries are intended to offer support “in particular” to displaced persons. Thus, the EU’s humanitarian aid contribution for Lebanon rises to €104 million. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre remains in close contact with member states and humanitarian partners to mobilise additional offers.

The EU’s humanitarian airlift to Lebanon is just the latest in a mobilisation already offered through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. Aid from Spain, Slovakia, Poland, France, and Belgium was already delivered last week. Further aid from Greece is expected “in the coming days,” the European Commission says.