Qatari Aid Plane Arrives in Beirut to Support Lebanon
On November 25, 2024, a Qatari Emiri Air Force plane landed at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, delivering much-needed medical aid and medicines. This shipment is part of an ongoing air bridge established by Qatar to assist the Lebanese people during their current hardships. The Qatari Foreign Ministry announced that the aid is facilitated by the Qatar Development Fund, aimed at supporting Lebanon amid challenging circumstances.
The arrival of the aid was marked by a reception led by the Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, alongside Fadi Sinan, the Acting Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Sinan expressed gratitude for Qatar's continuous support, highlighting the importance of international assistance in times of crisis.
Background of the Aid Initiative
The initiative to create an air bridge for aid from Doha to Beirut was announced by Qatar in early October 2024. This decision followed a significant meeting between Lolwah Al-Khater, the former Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The meeting also included discussions with the Qatari Ambassador and Lebanese ministers of Health and Environment, focusing on the urgent need for humanitarian support and a call for a ceasefire amid escalating tensions in the region.
Minister Al-Khater condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians during this meeting, underscoring the necessity for a unified international response to the ongoing conflict. The air bridge initiative reflects Qatar's commitment to aiding Lebanon in its time of need, reinforcing diplomatic ties and humanitarian efforts in the region.
