French President Emmanuel Macron announced €100 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon at a high-level conference aimed at addressing the worsening situation in the country, where ongoing Israeli attacks and mass displacement threaten to deepen instability.

Later, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that the conference has raised around $800 million for humanitarian aid and a further $200 million to support the country's army. 

Speaking at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty, Macron emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, citing the displacement of over 1.1 million people. He warned that Lebanon is on the brink of deeper unrest due to the continued Israeli strikes and the influx of displaced civilians, and he reiterated his call to end "the wars of others on Lebanese soil."

“We are here to help Lebanon emerge from its hardships," Macron said. "Hezbollah must halt its attacks on Israel, regardless of the justification, and this conflict cannot be allowed to spiral into chaos across Lebanon and the region."

Macron urged both Israel and Lebanon to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire and a disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He stressed the need for calm along the Blue Line, the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, and expressed concerns about the broader geopolitical stakes.

“Iran is pushing Hezbollah into confrontation with Israel, and we must outline the principles for lasting peace along the Blue Line,” Macron said. He also condemned attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, calling for the international community to stand behind the "blue helmets."

Macron underlined the critical role of the Lebanese army, stating that “the Lebanese Armed Forces have a greater responsibility than ever to maintain stability.” He called on all parties to respect Lebanese sovereignty and for the government to assert control over all its territory, including south of the Litani River, where Hezbollah operates.

Guterres Warns of Civilian Casualties

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Macron's concerns, highlighting the need to protect civilians. 

"We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line – but we must recognize that the conflict has recently taken on an entirely different nature and scale," he said. "Each day that passes only deepens the misery and suffering of people in Lebanon."

"An immediate ceasefire is needed now – along with meaningful steps towards full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701," Guterres stressed. "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected."

The UN chief called on Lebanon's leaders to take resolute steps towards ensuring fully functional state institutions to address the country's pressing political and security challenges.

Mikati Outlines Lebanon's Humanitarian Crisis

Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed the conference with a stark warning about the dire humanitarian situation in the country.

“The Israeli aggression has displaced more than 1.2 million Lebanese, including 500,000 children who have lost their homes and schools," Mikati said. "The destruction has caused immeasurable human suffering and devastated our infrastructure, economy, and social fabric."

Mikati detailed the toll of the conflict, citing the deaths of over 150 healthcare workers and the damage to 13 hospitals and more than 100 health centers across Lebanon. He called on the international community to take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable and ensure the protection of civilians.

The Lebanese prime minister outlined three critical areas where Lebanon urgently needs international support: an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and long-term reconstruction efforts to rebuild key infrastructure.

Mikati stressed the need for international assistance beyond emergency aid, urging countries to support Lebanon's recovery by rebuilding roads, schools, hospitals, and cultural landmarks that have been destroyed. He called for substantial international financing to help the country recover from the destruction.

“Lebanon’s survival requires more than immediate humanitarian aid—it requires a comprehensive recovery effort that focuses on restoring vital infrastructure and stabilizing the economy,” he said.

Mikati also reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1701, adding that the Lebanese government stands ready to deploy additional troops to maintain security in southern Lebanon.

Mikati said the Lebanese government had decided to recruit more troops and could deploy 8,000 soldiers as part of a plan to implement UNSC Resolution 1701, which calls for the army to be deployed in southern Lebanon.

“Lebanese authorities must deploy over [all] Lebanese territory and weapons should be carried only by the state and the Lebanese army,” Mikati says on the sidelines of a Lebanon aid conference in Paris, without explicitly calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah. 

In his closing remarks, Mikati called for the election of a new Lebanese president, who would uphold the constitution and lead crucial reforms. He emphasized the need for a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon’s economy and institutions to prevent further crises.

“The key to Lebanon’s internal stability lies in the election of a president who will uphold the constitution, implement the Taif Agreement, and form a government capable of enacting essential reforms,” he said. “We must chart a new, sustainable course focused on national unity and rebuilding the country.”

Lebanese Army Requests Support 

Lebanon’s army also called for additional international support, with Brigadier General Youssef stating that the government has requested the recruitment of 1,500 additional soldiers to secure the southern border and assist in implementing Resolution 1701.