Minderoo Foundation to provide A$2 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon

30 Oct 2024 – Minderoo Foundation will provide A$2 million in humanitarian assistance to support displaced civilians – particularly women and children – impacted by the escalation of conflict in Lebanon.

The Minderoo funding will help frontline partner Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of those who have sought refuge in temporary shelters across Lebanon.

According to latest estimates, around 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Emergency shelters have been overwhelmed and humanitarian workers killed.

MSF’s work on the ground in Lebanon has focused on the delivery of general medical consultations, psychological first aid, mental health consultations and supply of medications and relief items.

Minderoo’s funding will support four (4) primary healthcare clinics in northern Bekaa and Akkar, a mobile clinic in Beirut and Mount Beirut and the provision of supplies required for these efforts.

Today’s announcement – made in recognition of the 24 October international conference dedicated to Lebanon, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron – brings Minderoo Foundation’s total humanitarian assistance to the Middle East to more than A$43 million since October 2023.

Minderoo Foundation continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

It has been estimated that A$371 million was needed to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon between now and December.

Jennifer Tierney, MSF Australia Executive Director, said Minderoo Foundation’s support came at a time when significant humanitarian response was required in Lebanon.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary generosity of Minderoo Foundation,” Jennifer said. “Escalating bombardment and military operations are having disastrous consequences for civilians, with more than one million people forcibly displaced within the country.

“This gift will go towards supporting our emergency efforts across Lebanon, where our teams are offering general medical consultations, psychological first aid, mental health consultations and supply of medications and relief items.”