The Paris conference for Lebanon raises $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian and military support

PARIS (AP) — An international conference for Lebanon in Paris on Thursday raised $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid and military support to help the country where war between Hezbollah militants and Israel has displaced a million people, killed over 2,500, and deepened an economic crisis, French organizers said.

In his closing speech, France's foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said : “We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces, that’s about $1 billion." The Paris conference gathered over 70 nations and international organizations.

French President Emmanuel Macron had called on participants to bring “massive aid” to support the country, as France promised $100 million.

“We’re up to the challenge,” Barrot said. The United States pledged to provide about $300 million, he added.