International pledges of $1 billion secured to support Lebanon: French foreign minister

During the Paris Conference, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized Lebanon's commitment to addressing the challenges displaced people face and highlighted the importance of international solidarity. 
 
"I believe this conference was important for humanitarian and political solidarity. We affirm that Resolution 1701 must be implemented immediately," he added.

Mikati expressed Lebanon's readiness to strengthen the Lebanese Army's presence in the south, emphasizing the importance of supporting Lebanon's security institutions. 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed this sentiment, pointing out the unprecedented destruction Lebanon faces, even surpassing that of 2006. 

Barrot reaffirmed France's commitment to stand by Lebanon, calling for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south. 

"The war on Lebanon has erased 15 years of growth," the French FM said.

He also condemned Hezbollah's role in the current conflict and stressed that no country should impose its dominance over another in Lebanon.

Barrot announced that international pledges of $1 billion had been secured to support Lebanon, with $800 million allocated for humanitarian aid and $200 million for the Lebanese Army. 

He also confirmed that the United States committed an additional $300 million to support Lebanon. 

Both officials urged a ceasefire and stressed the urgency of electing a Lebanese president to stabilize the country.