Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force
The RAF has delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
This package of medical supplies and provisions are funded by the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and will help support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
As the only legitimate military force of the Lebanese state, investing in the Lebanese Armed Forces is essential to the future security and stability of Lebanon, and the wider region.
For more than a decade, the UK has given critical support to the Lebanese Armed Forces as a trusted partner, through training, mentoring and the provision of equipment. Since 2009, the UK has trained over 34,000 Lebanese Armed Forces personnel and dedicated over £106 million in funding including the gifting of over 300 Land rovers. The UK has also helped to construct nearly 80 Border Observation posts and Forward Operating Bases as part of our efforts to support Lebanese border security.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in the region to allow space for a political solution. The FCDO advises all British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately and have arranged several charter flights from Lebanon in recent weeks to support this.
Today’s delivery of supplies from the RAF is in direct response to a request from the Lebanese Armed Forces. We have supported the Lebanese Armed Forces for more than a decade. They are essential to ensuring that the foundations are present for peace in the region. Our support for Lebanese Armed Forces is part of how we aim to reinforce regional security and stability. We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in calling for an immediate ceasefire.
John Healey
Defence Secretary
This package of UK support demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Lebanon’s only legitimate armed forces, forces essential for stability and security of the state and wider region. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel and a political plan consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. That is the only way to restore security and stability for the people living on both sides of the border.
David Lammy
Foreign Secretary
In October 2024, as a direct response to the mass displacement of people and growing number of civilian casualties, the UK boosted its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million. The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. The UK has also agreed to match public donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal of up to £10 million.
The UK government is completely committed to peace in the Middle East and continues to call for de-escalation in the region after being the first nation in the G7 to do so. A ceasefire would pave the way for civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.