UAE launches relief campaign for Lebanon, sends medical aid plane

By Yusuf Alioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Friday the launching of a national relief campaign to support Lebanon, beginning with the dispatch of a medical aid plane.

The move follows the directives of President Mohammed bin Zayed, who approved a $100 million emergency humanitarian aid package for Lebanon, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The first plane, under "The UAE is with you, Lebanon," campaign landed at the Beirut airport Friday with 40 tons of urgent medical supplies.

The delivery was made in coordination with the World Health Organization.

The aid effort reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting the Lebanese people and highlights the deep fraternal ties between the two countries during this critical period, said the Foreign Ministry.

Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy said the initial aid marks the beginning of the UAE's response to the urgent needs of the Lebanese people.

She emphasized that the UAE remains committed to providing humanitarian support to alleviate suffering and meet immediate needs, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border hostilities since Israel launched its war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7 last year -- a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of more than 41,800 victims, most of them women and children.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 2,011 victims, injured more than 9,500, and displaced 1.2 million, according to Lebanese authorities.

The international community has expressed concern that Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon could escalate the Gaza conflict into a broader regional war.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul