EU announces nearly $9M to support post-conflict stability in Lebanon

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - The EU on Wednesday pledged €8 million ($9 million) to support post-conflict stability in Lebanon.

“The European Union announced 8 million Euro to support stability, security, and peace in Lebanon, following 13 months of conflict,” said a statement issued by the Delegation of the EU to Lebanon.

The project is expected to be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“The devastating conflict has led to too many civilian casualties. It has caused massive destruction and displacement. It has put a strain on already fragile public institutions, limiting their ability to deliver essential services to the people. Security institutions continue to face many challenges in maintaining stability amid ongoing tensions,” the statement said.

The project aims to strengthen local initiatives for conflict prevention and peacebuilding and enhance the capacity of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in their delivery of security services.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of nearly 200 people and the injuries of around 500 others.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.