Today, Federal International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that Canada will provide an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon to meet the urgent needs of its civilian population.

This announcement comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanese organization "Hezbollah." Ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have resulted in large numbers of civilian casualties, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people from their homes, according to official Lebanese sources.

Minister Hussen stated that more than 2,000 civilians have been killed in Lebanon, including two Canadians, and that thousands more have been injured. He noted that the conflict is placing significant pressure on humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Lebanon.

This additional Canadian funding will enable trusted and experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations to provide food, water, emergency healthcare, protection services, and other forms of essential assistance.

Hussen also announced today that Canada will allocate up to $6 million in donations to the humanitarian needs appeal for Lebanon launched by the Canadian Red Cross and the emergency appeal for Lebanon initiated by the "Humanitarian Coalition" of Canadian charities. Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from September 24 to November 3, 2024, will be matched up to a maximum of $3 million for each appeal.

The funding that Ottawa will provide to the Canadian Red Cross and the "Humanitarian Coalition" will be drawn from the $10 million in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Lebanon that Minister Hussen announced on September 28. The remaining $4 million will be evenly distributed between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme.

Canada will also send relief supplies from its reserves in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross to assist in humanitarian response efforts in Lebanon, including 5,000 blankets and 1,000 hygiene kits.

Minister Hussen was accompanied by members of federal parliament, including Liberal MPs Fayçal El-Khoury and Lena Metlege Diab, both of Lebanese descent, and humanitarian partners during his announcement of the additional assistance today.

"The conflict is causing devastating losses among the Lebanese people, and it is essential that those in need of basic assistance receive it as soon as possible. Canada is mobilizing efforts to provide emergency relief and will continue to call for the protection of civilians," said MP El-Khoury, who represents a riding in Laval, Quebec.

"In recent years, Lebanon has faced significant hardships, and throughout these difficult times, Canada has consistently provided support. This time is no different, and the funding announced today will go to those who need it the most," said MP Metlege Diab, who represents a riding in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia.

Today, the International Development Minister in Justin Trudeau's Liberal Government repeated the call for Canadians in Lebanon to leave.

In this context, Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa stated that over 1,150 Canadians and permanent residents and their immediate family members have left Lebanon on flights chartered by the Canadian government. The ministry added that it has also assisted around 250 individuals from other countries in leaving Lebanon.