Qatar Initiates 'Air Bridge of Aid' to Lebanon

Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah al-Khater, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to launch an "air bridge of Qatari aid" to Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Upon her arrival, al-Khater was welcomed at the airport by caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, Qatar's ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, along with representatives from the Airport's Security Apparatus and General Security, as reported by NNA.

Two Qatari military planes carrying aid and medical supplies arrived, with additional shipments expected in the coming days.

This visit occurs during a crucial period as Lebanon marks one year of conflict that escalated into war between Hezbollah and Israel in late September. Israeli forces have targeted various regions in Lebanon, including Beirut and its suburbs. Over the past year, more than 2,000 people have lost their lives, and nearly 9,800 have been injured.

At the airport, Abiad stated that the plane is the first of several intended to "address shortages in medical equipment and food supplies."

Yassin added that the aid would be distributed "across all regions in the coming days."

Al-Khater also met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail in Beirut to discuss the ongoing aid efforts. The meeting was attended by Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon and several Lebanese ministers, according to NNA.

Following the meeting, al-Khater reaffirmed Qatar's "firm and unwavering stance" in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. She condemned the recent escalation of violence by Israeli forces, calling for an "immediate cease-fire." She further noted that "had the international community taken a strong stand on the situation in Gaza, we would not have witnessed the spread of conflict to the West Bank and now Lebanon." She also formally announced the launch of an "air bridge from Doha to Beirut."

Mikati expressed his deep gratitude for Qatar’s ongoing support, acknowledging the country’s solidarity with Lebanon during these difficult times.

Al-Khater concluded by reiterating Qatar's support for "the Lebanese government, its people, and national institutions," particularly commending the Ministry of Health and its staff for their efforts. She emphasized that "Qatar will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces" as well.