India Steps Up as First Responder with Critical Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon

In a powerful display of its commitment to global peace and crisis response, India has once again taken swift action, sending crucial humanitarian aid to Lebanon during the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Lebanon’s Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, recently highlighted the strong bond between the two nations, praising Bharat’s proactive support amidst the violence sweeping through southern Lebanon.

At a recent press conference addressing the war, Ambassador Narsh lauded India’s immediate response to Lebanon’s needs, stating, “The humanitarian aid has flooded Lebanon since the aggression started. We have, thankfully, great friends in the world. On top of them is India. India is our good friend. We have enjoyed very good relations, excellent relations since maybe the independence of both countries, dated 70 or more than 80 years back.”

India: A Legacy of Support and Friendship

The Ambassador’s remarks emphasize India’s long-standing partnership with Lebanon, a relationship that stretches back decades. Bharat’s humanitarian aid to Lebanon during this critical period reinforces the deep connections both nations have nurtured over the years.

Narsh further detailed India’s swift response, saying, “India, even before asking, has rushed to propose humanitarian aid. India has offered about 30 tonnes of medicines. India has already been supporting us. We have been exchanging good relations in the international arena.” This initiative underlines India’s pivotal role as a first responder in times of global crisis, especially in regions where humanitarian needs are paramount.

Aid Mission: Medical Relief Amid Crisis

India’s aid package to Lebanon includes 33 tonnes of essential medical supplies, with the first tranche of 11 tonnes already dispatched. The shipment comprises a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anaesthetics. This critical support aims to address the growing health needs of the Lebanese population caught in the crossfire of escalating violence.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce the relief effort, stating, “India sends humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. A total of 33 tonnes of medical supplies are being sent. The first tranche of 11 tonnes of medical supplies was dispatched today.”

This aid comes at a crucial time as tensions in southern Lebanon continue to rise, with multiple attacks reported on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) premises. India has reiterated its strong stance on the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed along the Blue Line, which separates Lebanon from Israel, emphasizing its concern for their welfare amid the violence.

A Call for Peace and Reassessment

Ambassador Narsh, while expressing gratitude for international aid, voiced his concerns about the ongoing conflict and the role of global powers in perpetuating it. He called for a reassessment of the United States’ support for Israel, highlighting the need for accountability and the potential for peace if the U.S. chooses to intervene responsibly.

“The US is funding Israel, providing them with the latest technology, latest weapons, and even nuclear weapons,” Narsh said. “But then you hear US officials say they cannot control Netanyahu. You can. If you want, you can.”

He went on to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as a “war criminal” based on the charges brought against him by international courts. “Netanyahu is a war criminal, and I’m not saying this emotionally. The International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court have issued a warrant against Netanyahu because they said they have credible proof that he committed war crimes.”

Narsh expressed hope that the upcoming U.S. presidential election would bring about change, urging the next administration to prioritize peace over continued conflict. “I hope whatever the result of the US election, the new administration will be brave enough to say enough is enough, enough of killing people by US aircraft and US weapons, enough of destruction, and enough of war. Let’s build peace,” he urged.

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