International Conference on Lebanon raises $1 billion for Lebanon

An aid conference in Paris for war-torn Lebanon raised about $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million in funding for security forces.

"Overall, together we have raised $800 million in humanitarian aid," French Foreign Minister Francois Barrot told participants at the end of the International Conference in Support of the Lebanese People and Sovereignty on Thursday, AFP reported.

He added that there was also "$200 million for the security forces," bringing the total to nearly $1 billion, and even more with the latest donations.

The total far exceeds France's target of 500 million euros and the 400 million euros originally requested by the United Nations for Lebanon. Barrow said more than 2,500 people have been killed in the fighting since late September and "nearly a million" have been displaced.

Xinhua quoted the French Foreign Ministry as saying the meeting was supported by the United Nations and that 70 invited countries and regions were sending representatives. In his speech at the conference, Macron once again called on all parties to the conflict in Lebanon to cease fire, restore security and stability along the Blue Line, the temporary border between Lebanon and Israel, and help the displaced people in Lebanon and Israel to return to their homes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message that the situation in Lebanon urgently needs a ceasefire in order to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States should be respected, civilians should be protected, and attacks on UN peacekeeping forces are unacceptable.

At a press conference held after the meeting, French Foreign Minister Barrault said that the participants unanimously called on all parties to the conflict to cease fire, resolve the crisis politically and implement the Security Council resolution 1701. Barrow repeated his call for an Israeli cease-fire, adding: "At this stage, diplomacy and negotiation are a better path to Israel's long-term security than force."

Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati said at a press conference that Lebanon is grateful to France for organizing the meeting and all the participants. He called for an immediate ceasefire, noting in particular the worrying displacement of residents in southern Lebanon.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has killed 2,574 people and wounded more than 12,000 in Lebanon since the beginning of October, according to statistics released Wednesday by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.