France and Germany Provide 300 Billion Won to Lebanon... "Israel Must Initiate Ceasefire"

As Lebanon suffers severe damage from the war between Israel and Hezbollah, France and Germany are stepping up with humanitarian aid worth 200 million euros (approximately 300 billion KRW).

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the international conference on Lebanon aid held in Paris on the 24th (local time), "The United Nations has requested 426 million euros (about 635 billion KRW) in aid, and France will donate 100 million euros through this conference," emphasizing, "What we must do now is provide shelter for families who lost their homes due to the war, feed the children, and help students continue their education."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also pledged 96 million euros (about 143 billion KRW) in aid to Lebanon ahead of the conference, according to major foreign media. Minister Baerbock said, "We are not standing by the suffering of Lebanon; we are taking action," adding, "We support the people of Lebanon who want a safe and peaceful future just like the people of Israel."

Currently, Israel is exchanging missile strikes and drone attacks with the so-called "axis of resistance," which includes the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels, and the Iran-aligned armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in many casualties. According to UN estimates, over 800,000 refugees have been displaced in Lebanon due to this war, with the Lebanese government estimating the number to exceed one million.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated at the conference, "The Lebanese government still supports the 21-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States and France," and said that if a ceasefire is achieved, an additional 8,000 troops could be deployed in southern Lebanon. He continued, "The Lebanese army has begun recruiting, but financial and training support from the international community is needed," appealing for assistance in rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure after the war.

President Macron welcomed the additional deployment plan, responding, "France will support such troop deployments through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and contribute to equipping the Lebanese army." He emphasized, "This troop deployment must be very strong and verifiable to assure everyone that Lebanon can exercise sovereignty over its entire territory."

Regarding Israel, he stated, "Greater damage, more casualties, and further attacks will neither end terrorism nor guarantee safety for all," urging, "It is now time to achieve a ceasefire, restore lasting stability along the Blue Line (the UN-designated Israel-Lebanon border), and take immediate measures to ensure that refugees from Israel and Lebanon can safely return home."

The international conference chaired by President Macron was attended by more than 70 countries and international organizations, including Lebanon as the party concerned. However, Israel did not send a delegation.