President Sheikh Mohamed orders $30m in aid for displaced Lebanese citizens in Syria

Initiative is part of humanitarian campaign to support civilians as the country faces Israeli attacks

President Sheikh Mohamed has ordered additional aid to support the people of Lebanon. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday directed $30 million in aid to support displaced Lebanese citizens in Syria. More than 200,000 Lebanese have fled across the border amid Israeli air strikes, the UN said.

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

More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 8 2023, but more than half of this toll has come in the past two weeks. The country's government said about one million people have been displaced.

The support for displaced Lebanese citizens in Syria is part of the UAE's "continued efforts to help the Lebanese people overcome current challenges", state news agency Wam reported.

A philanthropic campaign to show solidarity with the Lebanese people is due to start on Tuesday. It was announced by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council and comes after the UAE launched a relief initiative.

The UAE Stands with Lebanon drive, established under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed, will provide a humanitarian relief package worth $100 million to the country. The philanthropic campaign is aimed at involving the community, including businesses, in efforts to support the people of Lebanon, Wam reported.

“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 and 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."