Blinken said in a statement: “The United States stands at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the worsening crisis in Lebanon, as it today announced the provision of approximately $157 million in aid. We are committed to supporting those in need and providing essential assistance to displaced civilians, refugees and the communities hosting them.”
The American announcement of this humanitarian aid to Lebanon comes a week after Washington announced a military aid package to Israel worth $8.7 billion to support current military operations, including modernizing air defense systems.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense reported that “the package includes $3.5 billion for basic purchases for the war, and $5.2 billion allocated for air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and an advanced laser system.”
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Lebanon in recent weeks as Israel escalated its military campaign against Hezbollah, including more than 100,000 people, mostly Lebanese and Syrians, who fled across the border into Syria, according to the United Nations.
The World Health Organization said on Friday that the number of displaced people as a result of the Israeli attack on Lebanon has reached 346,209 so far, noting that Lebanon is facing a health crisis.
On the other hand, American officials confirmed that they support the Israeli military operation, but indicated that they have concerns about its humanitarian impact.
Israeli forces have been launching air strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, areas that have been considered Hezbollah strongholds for more than a week. A few days ago, they announced the start of a ground operation in Lebanese territory, without any field progress being announced until now.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed that the number of victims of the Israeli war on Lebanon to date has reached more than 1,974 dead and 9,384 wounded.
Source: RT
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2024-10-05 19:19:26
