UK supports humanitarian emergency response in Lebanon 

The UK is providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts and enable UNICEF to distribute supplies to those in need, the British embassy said on Friday.

“The essential humanitarian support comes after further civilian casualties following this week’s air strikes. Thousands more have been displaced or forced to flee their homes. The package includes essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations, to help thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon meet their basic needs,” the embassy said in a statement.

“It will also help emergency teams respond to urgent health and nutrition needs and provide a series of training sessions for key delivery partners and frontline workers to ensure an effective emergency response,”: the embassy added.

British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer said: “Today we are providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support the urgent humanitarian response in Lebanon. The number of civilian casualties is unacceptable, and the UK is deeply concerned by the surge in numbers of displaced people. An immediate ceasefire is essential.” 

Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Beirut Victoria Dunne said: “We are profoundly saddened by the civilian deaths in Lebanon. The number of casualties and the scale of displacement is deeply distressing.”

“Alongside our tireless diplomatic efforts, the UK is providing £5m to UNICEF Lebanon, to deliver vital supplies to support thousands of displaced civilians facing a humanitarian emergency in Lebanon. The UK has been and will remain a strong supporter of Lebanon,” Dunne added.