Lebanon would struggle to cover 'fraction' of aid needs of Israel-Hezbollah war, minister says

Lebanon would struggle to meet even a fraction of its aid needs if full-scale war erupts between Israel and Hezbollah, a senior official said, as it seeks increased donor support amid persistent border clashes.

Nasser Yassin, the minister overseeing contingency planning for a wider conflict, told Reuters Lebanon would need $100 million monthly for food, shelter, healthcare and other needs in a worst-case scenario.

"A small fraction, even 10 to 15 percent of that, would be huge for the government. We will need donors to step up," Yassin said.

International aid is already falling short. Lebanon has received only a third of the $74 million sought over the course of the 10-month conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel.

"Humanitarian funding in many places has been reduced to a minimal level of just keeping heads above water. Some organizations are even slashing funding for critical life-saving matters," Yassin added. READ MORE