Minister McEntee and Minister Richmond announce €3 million in humanitarian support for Lebanon

Minister McEntee and Minister Richmond announce €3 million in humanitarian support for Lebanon

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond have announced €3 million in humanitarian funding to support people affected by the worsening crisis in Lebanon.

The funding will support UN partners providing urgent assistance to people who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. 

Around 700,000 people have already been forced from their homes, and that number is expected to rise.

Ireland’s support will help provide shelter, food, sanitation and healthcare to those most in need. 

This includes €2 million for the UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and €1 million for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Announcing the funding, Minister McEntee said: “The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating rapidly. Many people were already struggling as a result of previous conflicts, and the latest escalation has forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

“Many of those displaced are children, older people and other vulnerable members of society. The level of suffering being experienced by civilians is deeply concerning.

“Lebanon also holds a special place in Irish society. For decades, Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have built strong connections with communities across the country, and their service has created deep bonds between our two peoples.

“Ireland’s funding will help our UN partners provide essential aid and services to people who have been forced to flee. This includes many refugees who had already escaped conflict in countries like Syria and Sudan, only to find themselves displaced once again by the latest violence.”

Minister Neale Richmond said: “The escalation in conflict across the Middle East and Gulf over recent days has been extremely worrying. Israel’s military incursions and continuing airstrikes are bringing misery to people who were already facing severe hardship.

“This funding is a sign of Ireland’s ongoing support for the people of Lebanon. The €3 million announced today is in addition to our ongoing support for UN and NGO partners who continue to provide much-needed support and assistance to people throughout the country.”

ENDS

Press Office

10 March 2026