BEIRUT—Qatar has stepped up its support for Lebanon in light of the recent surge in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. This commitment was articulated by Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah Al-Khater, during her visit to Beirut.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Al-Khater met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday. During the meeting, she reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict and emphasized Arab unity in condemning the Israeli attacks. Al-Khater outlined Qatar’s strategy to address the crisis, focusing on both immediate needs and future stability.
Qatar is actively working on medium and long-term plans to manage the humanitarian situation of the over 1.2 million Lebanese displaced by the current conflict. Prior to her discussions with Mikati, Al-Khater announced the initiation of an airbridge from Doha to Beirut. Throughout October, a total of 10 Qatari aircraft will deliver essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and food aid to Lebanon.
The backdrop to Qatar’s increased involvement is Israel’s intensive air campaign launched on September 23, which marks a significant escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah. This recent surge in violence has inflicted severe casualties, displacing hundreds of thousands and leading to over 2,100 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries in Lebanon, as reported by Lebanese authorities.