Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday that the United States will be providing nearly $157 million in humanitarian assistance to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region. This funding aims to address the needs of internally displaced persons, refugee populations inside Lebanon, and the communities hosting them. Additionally, the assistance will also aid those fleeing to neighboring Syria.
Recent weeks have seen hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Lebanon due to Israel's intensified military campaign against Hezbollah. More than 100,000 individuals, predominantly Lebanese and Syrians, have sought refuge across the border in Syria, as reported by the United Nations.
While US officials express their support for Israel's military actions, they also acknowledge concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The State Department spokesperson highlighted that Israel's efforts to bring terrorists to justice and push Hezbollah back from the border are seen as appropriate at this time. The incursions by Israel are described as limited in scope, with the ultimate goal being a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.
