PARIS: At a conference held in Paris on Thursday, the world's major powers collectively pledged $1 billion to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and bolster its military forces. During the event, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, emphasized the urgency for Israel to heed the call for a ceasefire and prioritize diplomatic negotiations.
The gathering was attended by approximately 70 government delegations and 15 international organizations, all united in their efforts to support Lebanon. However, the presence of a low-level US delegation and the impending election in the United States cast a shadow over the potential for a rapid cessation of hostilities.
Barrot reiterated the message to Israel: "The call for a ceasefire is clear: cease fire!" He also reaffirmed that a proposal for a temporary truce, put forth by France and the United States, remains on the table.
Funds have been raised with the primary aim of assisting up to one million displaced individuals with essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education. An additional $200 million will be allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), recognized as the guarantor of internal stability and crucial for the implementation of the 2006 UN Security Council resolution 1701, which mandates the removal of all foreign troops and weapons, except those of the Lebanese state.
France, with its historical ties to Lebanon, has been collaborating with the United States in efforts to secure a ceasefire. However, there are differences in approach regarding the implementation of the 1701 resolution.
Following Israel's rejection of a 21-day ceasefire proposal in September, France's influence has been somewhat diminished since Israel initiated its large-scale offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah, resulting in the loss of over 2,500 lives and displacing at least 1.2 million people.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, addressed the delegates, expressing the dire need for increased international pressure on Israel. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of the conflict, which threatens to cause widespread destruction.
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, chose not to attend the conference, and it appeared that little progress was made during his visit to the Middle East, a critical period for peace negotiations before the upcoming US election on November 5.
The United Nations Security Council resolution has yet to be fully implemented, and amidst a two-year political vacuum and a collapsed economy, the Lebanese Armed Forces lack the necessary strength to fulfill their role in the south of the country.
The ultimate goal is to recruit, train, and equip 6,000 new units of the Lebanese Armed Forces. An Italian diplomatic source mentioned that Rome is preparing to host its own conference to address this objective.
Italy contributes 1,000 troops to the 10,000-strong United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Diplomats are concerned that the United States has not called for an immediate ceasefire, and there is a fear that the administration's stance may not change before the election.
"France is in favor of a ceasefire and believes that Hezbollah will not be eliminated," stated a Middle East diplomat. "The United States, on the other hand, seeks the complete destruction of Hezbollah and is urging Israel to take more aggressive actions." — Reuters
