UAE sends aid ship carrying 3,000 tonnes of relief supplies to Lebanon

A UAE aid ship carrying 3,000 tonnes of crucial relief supplies arrived in Lebanon on Sunday as part of a major humanitarian drive to support embattled civilians in the country.

The vital shipment, delivered to Beirut Port, includes food items, essential goods for women and children and winter provisions and shelter equipment.

The Emirates previously sent a ship loaded with 2,000 tonnes of aid to the port in October, under the UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign.

The $100 million aid initiative was launched in response to Israel's invasion and persistent air strikes, which caused thousands of deaths, the displacement of more than one million people and turned buildings and homes into rubble.

The latest humanitarian assistance will provide a lifeline to hard-hit communities still reeling from conflict, even after a 60-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah that ended fighting in November but is due to end on January 26.

The ship was received by Dr Nasser Yassin, Lebanon's head of Government Emergencies and Minister of Environment, and Brig Gen Bassem Nabulsi, chairman of the Supreme Relief Authority.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, vice chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, stressed the country's commitment to delivering a helping hand to those in need.

This commitment emanates from the humanitarian legacy of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in extending a helping had to nations in distress, Mr Al Shamsi said.

Hopes for stability

Lebanon's Parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as President on Thursday. It ended a power vacuum that had persisted since 2022 and marked a significant political milestone key developments, including the fate of the ceasefire with Israel and the start of postwar reconstruction efforts.

President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday congratulated the new President in a telephone call, as the UAE said it would reopen its embassy in the Lebanese capital, three years after its closure.

Sheikh Mohamed wished Gen Aoun success in leading Lebanon and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and stability.

During the call, both leaders agreed to take steps to reopen the UAE’s embassy in Beirut.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his hope to work together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations and their peoples.

Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE's commitment to supporting efforts that ensure Lebanon's security and stability.