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UAE steps up Lebanon aid

President announces relief package of $30 million in addition to six aircraft carrying around 205 tonnes of medical, relief, food and shelter supplies to Lebanon, to support the Lebanese people….reports Asian Lite News

 President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the provision of an urgent relief package worth US$30 million to displaced Lebanese citizens in the Syrian Arab Republic.

This initiative is part of the UAE’s continued efforts to help the Lebanese people overcome current challenges, underscoring its firm commitment to providing support in difficult times.

The UAE has dispatched six aircraft carrying around 205 tonnes of medical, relief, food and shelter supplies to Lebanon, to support the Lebanese people. This comes in addition to the US$100 million aid package launched recently.

The planes also included aid provided in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which was dispatched over two days via the UAE air bridge as part of the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign.

These supplies reflect the UAE’s steadfast efforts in cooperation with international partners to provide urgent relief to the people of Lebanon, to alleviate the critical humanitarian and health repercussions.

The aid aircraft were dispatched following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to support and assist the Lebanese people, embodying the approach adopted by the UAE, its government, and people in extending a helping hand to nations during crises.

This humanitarian response aims to mitigate the consequences that have resulted in the suffering of thousands of families due to the lack of medicine, medical supplies, and basic medical services, particularly for the sick, children, the elderly, and women.

The “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign was also launched at the national level to support the brotherly Lebanese people. The campaign will begin on Tuesday, 8th October, until Monday, 21st October, with the participation of society members, institutions, as well as government and private entities.

Two-week philanthropic campaign

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, has launched a philanthropic campaign in the UAE community in solidarity with the people of Lebanon. 

Slated to begin on 8th October and continue until 21st October under the slogan “The UAE Stands with Lebanon”, the campaign is aimed at involving the community, institutions, and public sector and private sector organizations.  

Speaking about the importance of the campaign, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed the utmost importance given by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to helping the people in Lebanon in their tough humanitarian circumstance. 

He expressed confidence in the UAE community – people, businesses and institutions – in standing with people facing crisis situations and extending support to them.  

The campaign announcement came close on the heels of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordering an urgent relief aid package worth US$100 million as part of the country’s efforts to support the people of Lebanon. 

The UAE sent 6 planes loaded with around 205 tonnes of medical supplies, food, relief materials, and shelter equipment. This was done in cooperation with international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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.

GCC chief appeals to int’l community

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has renewed the call to the international community to uphold its responsibilities and take urgent action to stop the grave Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

He emphasised that one year after the onset of military operations by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, the humanitarian, security and economic situation in the region has significantly worsened.

“This necessitates immediate and decisive steps from the international community to put an end to the brutal Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people, de-escalate military operations and lift the blockade, ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid and the opening of crossings to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.

The Secretary-General also underscored the critical importance of protecting civilians, including those involved in relief and humanitarian services, who face severe risks while carrying out their essential duties.

Furthermore, he reiterated that GCC countries consistently advocate for accountability for those responsible for crimes against humanity, holding the Israeli government accountable for the violations committed by its forces against the defenceless Palestinian people.

Additionally, Albudaiwi expressed the steadfast stance of GCC member states in support of the Palestinian cause and their commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The Secretary-Genera concluded his statement by calling for the unification of regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and to provide the necessary support to the Palestinian people, thereby contributing to stability and security in the region.

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