UAE sends six aid planes to Lebanon as charitable campaign launched

Food, medicine and shelter among 200 tonnes of supplies amid worsening humanitarian crisis

An Israeli air strike over the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, on Saturday. EPA

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The UAE has sent six planes loaded with 205 tonnes of critical aid to assist embattled civilians in Lebanon as a nationwide charitable campaign was launched in support of the country, it was announced on Sunday.

The air relief, including medical supplies, food and shelter equipment, was delivered by the Emirates in partnership with the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The UAE has provided essential aid to Lebanon in recent days amid a barrage of air strikes by Israel, which has also invaded the country.

More than 1,100 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks as a result of the deadly conflict. with the country's government saying about 1 million people have been displaced.

Show of support

A campaign to show solidarity with the Lebanese was announced by authorities in the UAE. The project, which is due to start on Tuesday, has been launched by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. The move comes after the UAE's launch of a relief campaign in support of Lebanon.

President Sheikh Mohamed’s initiative – called UAE stands with Lebanon – will provide an urgent humanitarian relief package worth $100 million to the country. The campaign is aimed at involving the community, including institutions and businesses, in the UAE’s efforts to extend a hand of support to Lebanon during the continuing crisis, said Wam.

“This approach of the UAE is a part and parcel of its civilisational and humane vision for a safe and stable world," said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. "The UAE – its government, citizens, residents, businesses – always keeps aloft its commitment to provide relief and aid to people facing adverse situations and works in close partnership with international organisations and institutions."