Qatar’s ambassador joined the launch of a UN-backed $308 million humanitarian appeal in Beirut to support Lebanon as the war and Israeli strikes drive rising casualties and displacement.
Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has participated in the launch of an international appeal aimed at mobilising funds to address Lebanon’s growing humanitarian needs amid the ongoing war.
The appeal was launched on Friday at Beirut’s Grand Serail in the presence of Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, alongside ministers, ambassadors of donor countries, and representatives of international organisations and UN agencies.
The initiative forms part of a coordinated framework designed to secure funding to support Lebanon and address increasing humanitarian needs during and after the current crisis.
The appeal seeks to raise $308.3 million to sustain life-saving humanitarian assistance over the coming months, including food, clean water, healthcare, education and protection services.
The funding push comes as Lebanon faces mounting humanitarian pressures following Israel’s military campaign that expanded on March 2.
According to UN and Lebanese government estimates, around 1.3 million people have been affected by wide evacuation threats issued by the Israeli military, with large numbers displaced across the country.
Israel’s attacks since the broad offensive began two weeks ago have killed at least 687 people, including entire families.
Lebanon’s health ministry has also reported repeated Israeli strikes on medical teams and facilities.
The ministry said at least 26 paramedics have been killed and 51 wounded, adding that Israel was targeting rescue workers while they were carrying out emergency missions.
Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli army would target ambulances, alleging without any evidence that they vechiles were being used to transport weapons.
In one of the deadliest attacks, an Israeli strike hit a primary healthcare centre in the southern town of Bourj Qalaouiyeh, killing 12 doctors, nurses and paramedics and leaving only one survivor from the medical team, according to the ministry.
Lebanese authorities say the attacks amount to violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which require protection for medical personnel and healthcare facilities.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the emergency appeal aims to help maintain and expand life-saving assistance as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, stressing that rapid and flexible funding will be critical to support those most in need.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that the country was facing one of the most dangerous chapters in its modern history and urged the international community to mobilise urgent political and humanitarian support.
