US to Provide Humanitarian Aid of $157Mn to Lebanon as it Continues to Support Israel's Campaign

Washington: Amid the escalating tension in Lebanon, the United States announced humanitarian aid worth $157 million for the region to “support populations affected by conflict,” as per reports.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday announced the assistance as the country continues to voice support for the "limited" Israeli military campaign in Lebanon that has triggered mass displacement.

"This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them," the US Secretary said in a statement.

He added that the assistance will also support those fleeing to neighbouring Syria.

This announcement comes as hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Lebanon following the recent tensions with Israel. Over 100,000 people, mostly Lebanese and Syrians, have fled across the border into Syria, according to the United Nations.

Meanwhile, US officials asserted that they support Israel’s military campaign, but note they have concerns about the humanitarian impact.

"We do think it’s appropriate that Israel, at this point, is bringing terrorists to justice and trying to push – trying – and launching these limited incursions, what at least at this point are limited incursions, trying to push Hezbollah back from the border," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Thursday.

"Ultimately our goal is a diplomatic resolution," he added.