France seeks to raise $400 million requested by the UN at Lebanon support conference

The Elysée Palace revealed that the priority of the international conference on Lebanon, hosted by Paris on Thursday, is to respond to the United Nations' appeal to raise more than $400 million to aid displaced persons amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.  

On October 1, the United Nations launched an appeal to gather this amount to provide urgent assistance to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by Israeli strikes in several Lebanese regions.  

The French presidency emphasized that "the priority is to respond to this appeal."

The Elysée stated, "We have worked to secure as many contributions as possible," adding that President Emmanuel Macron will announce the aid France will provide during the conference. 

It also noted that efforts to collect donations "are ongoing to this day."  

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told RTL Radio that Paris stands by Lebanon and "will not abandon it." 

He added, "The primary objective is to reaffirm the need for a ceasefire, reach a diplomatic solution, end hostilities, mobilize humanitarian aid from as many countries as possible, and support Lebanese institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese Army."

He explained that the conference "will see the participation of 70 countries and 15 international organizations," adding that "everyone we invited will attend."  

However, the minister did not specify the level of representation, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be absent as he is currently on a tour of the Middle East this week.