The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs
and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
This package of medical supplies and provisions, delivered by the
RAF, is funded by the UK's Integrated Security Fund and will help
support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
The Lebanese Armed Forces are essential to the future security
and stability of Lebanon and the wider region as the only
legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.
For more than a decade, the UK has given critical support to the
LAF as a trusted partner, through training, mentoring and the
provision of equipment. Since 2009, the UK has trained over
34,000 LAF personnel and dedicated over £106 million in funding
The UK has also helped to construct nearly 80 Border Observation
posts and Forward Operating Bases as part of efforts to support
Lebanese border security.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary
continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and increase in
humanitarian aid in both Lebanon and Gaza 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.
Defence Secretary said:
“Today's delivery of supplies from the RAF is in direct response
to a request from the Lebanese Armed Forces.
“The UK has supported the LAF for more than a decade, as the sole
legitimate force of the Lebanese state. Our support for the
LAF can help build the foundations for a stable Lebanon, as part
of our wider efforts towards de-escalation and peace in the
region.
“We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in
calling for an immediate ceasefire.”
Foreign Secretary said:
“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.”
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.
