International reactions to the 2006 Lebanon War by evacuations and aid

:"See also International reactions to the 2006 Lebanon War

Evacuation of foreign nationals

Despite Lebanon's history of conflict, the suddenness of the latest conflict took many governments by surprise [http://en.geos.tm.fr/newsletter/alertes-n51.pdf] . The Israeli strategy of blockade, including seaports, the Beirut airport, and key roads and bridges, meant that expected escape routes were unavailable. Lebanon borders only Israel and Syria. According to a spokesman for the British High Commission in the Republic of Cyprus, both France and the US have secured permission from the British to use the facilities of the British Sovereign Base Areas, [] and other 651 were evacuated by the Romanian authorities. They are Romanians and Moldovans, Lebanese married to Romanians and foreign diplomats.Realitatea TV 07:00 news bulletin (04:00 UTC), 2006-07-19.] There were 283 evacuated on 18th, [cite news|title="First group of Romanians return home from Lebanon"|url=http://english.hotnews.ro/First-group-of-Romanians-return-home-from-Lebanon-articol_43198.htm|publisher=HotNews.ro|date=2006-07-18] 146 on 19th, [ro icon cite news|title="Alţi români aflaţi în Liban au revenit în ţară"|url=http://www.realitatea.net/index.php?stire=12597|publisher=Realitatea TV|date=2006-07-20] and 222 on 20th. [ro icon cite news|url=http://www.realitatea.net/index.php?stire=12758|title="222 de cetăţeni români s-au întors azi-noapte din Liban"|publisher=Realitatea TV|date=2006-07-21] The convoys, bearing the Romanian flag, left the Romanian Embassy in Beirut in the mornings of the afore mentioned days to Damascus, where the refugees left from by air to Henry Coandă Airport in Bucharest, arriving there the next day, few hours after the midnight. [cite news|url=http://english.hotnews.ro/Romanian-tourists-expats-flock-to-leave-Lebanon-articol_43187.htm|title="Romanian tourists, expats flock to leave Lebanon"|publisher=HotNews.ro|date=2006-07-17] [ro icon cite news|url=http://www.realitatea.net/?stire=12510|title=Repatriaţii s-au întors|publisher=Realitatea TV|date=2006-07-18] The evacuation of others was reported to be ongoing, ] but their arrival at the embassy is known to be burdened by the destruction of the roads. There is no evacuation news since July 21.

flagicon|Russia Russia

1,407 Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States citizens were evacuated by Aeroflot and Russia's Emercom flights from Damascus, Latakia and Cyprus. [cite news | title=Wr
2006-07-20 | publisher=Novosti| url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060720/51628778.html] Even though Russian consular officers estimated there were no more than 100-150 Russian nationals left in Lebanon by that time, mainly in the south of the country, further Emercom flights brought hundreds more people home. Additional flights evacuated Russian nationals from Gaza Strip (via Amman).

flagicon|Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has over 93,000 nationals stranded in Lebanon, 86,000 of whom are females working as domestic maids. [cite news | title=Sri Lankan domestic worker in Lebanon feared killed in bombings | date=2006-07-19 | publisher=LankaEverything.Com| url=http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20060718103228.php] The evacuation effort has stalled, with only a small proportion of the Sri Lankan population able to leave. The Indian Government has assisted in the evacuation of several hundred nationals.

flagicon|Sweden Sweden

On July 18, 2,264 out of the approximately 7,000 Swedish citizens arrived in Sweden from Lebanon. On July 20, another 1,500 Swedesarrived in Sweden for a total of 3,700. [cite news | title=Allt fler svenskar kommer hem | date=2006-07-20 | publisher=TV4 | url=http://www.tv4.se/nyheter/478220.html] As of July 24 it is believed most Swedes have now been evacuated, totaling around 7,000.cite news | title=200 svenskar kvar i södra Libanon | date=2006-07-24 | publisher=SVT | url=http://svt.se/svt/jsp/Crosslink.jsp?d=22620&a=628535] It is believed that around 200 Swedish citizens have not been able to leave southern Lebanon, due to the heavy bombardment.

Among the evacuated Swedes are film director Josef Fares and his brother, actor Fares Fares, who were on vacation in Lebanon. [cite news | title=Fares brothers on their way from the chaos | date=2006-07-19 | publisher=Aftonbladet | url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,859181,00.html]

flagicon|Turkey Turkey

On July 24, a military transport vessel belonging to Turkish Navy docked at Beirut to evacuate 1200 Turkish citizens. The evacuation process was overseen by a detachment of Turkish Naval Commandos (SAT) while the vessel herself was escorted by two gunboats. All refugees were successfully transported to Turkey, and the Turkish Ministry of Logistics reported that there were no further Turkish citizens in need of immediate evacuation. [tr icon cite news | title=Ateşe rağmen tahliye tamam | date=2006-07-24 | publisher=Sabah Gazetesi (Turkey)| url=http://www.sabah.com.tr/gnd97.html]

flagicon|United Kingdom United Kingdom

On the evening of 15 July news came through that the British aircraft carrier HMS "Illustrious", and accompanying task force, then docked at Gibraltar, were being readied to steam to the area off the Lebanese coast, and secure it with force if necessary. This was later confirmed to be in support of the British Government's plan (announced late on 16th July) to evacuate British, Commonwealth, and EU nationals from Lebanon. By 17 July the MOD confirmed that two Royal Navy ships were already off the coast of Lebanon and four more were on the way.

"Illustrious" and HMS "Bulwark" were steaming towards the area from the western Mediterranean and arrived by noon on 20 July to assist with evacuations. HMS "Gloucester" and HMS "York" were already in the area, and "Gloucester" had already evacuated 180 British nationals from Beirut. Also, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary stores ship RFA "Fort Victoria" and the Type 23 frigate HMS "St Albans" headed for the area to assist in the evacuation. The evacuation by sea was expected to take around a week to complete. A group of RAF Chinook helicopters were sent from RAF Odiham in Hampshire in England to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus. Amongst those evacuated from Beirut by the RAF was Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy commissioner. [http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=231112]

flagicon|United States United States

The U.S. estimated that as many as 25,000 Americans citizens were in Lebanon, but the number finally evacuated was approximately 15,000. After hostilities began on July 12, 2006, media reports hinted that U.S. Navy ships from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group could be moved from exercises in the Red Sea to an offshore position in Lebanon. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/14/lebanon.us.citizens/ CNN.com - U.S. developing plans to evacuate citizens from Lebanon - Jul 14, 2006 ] ] Shortly after, the U.S. announced and began executing a plan to evacuate its nationals using military assets, as well as a chartered cruise ship, the "Orient Queen", under guard by the destroyers "Gonzalez" (DDG 66) and "Barry" (DDG 52). [ [http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/17/lebanon.evacuation/index.html CNN.com - U.S. sending help to evacuate Americans from Lebanon - Jul 17, 2006 ] ] According to Joint Task Force Lebanon/Task Force 59 spokesperson Navy Commander Darryn C. James, since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah militants began on July 12, 2006 the “sea bridge” and "air bridge" provided by U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command assets helped nearly 15,000 American citizens safely depart Lebanon--one of the largest evacuations in U.S. military history. Dubbed Operation “Strengthen Hope,” Department of Defense (DoD) assets such as "HSV-2 Swift" were also instrumental in assisting in the distribution of millions of dollars (of a U.S. pledged 230 million) in humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people. Task Force 59 personnel, led by Marine Corps Brigadier General Carl B. Jensen, were the first to arrive in the “joint operation area” (JOA) region on July 16 where DoD assets evacuated 21 American citizens out of Beirut by helicopter on the first day. On July 21, DoD assets moved more than 3,000 people and brought the total of American citizens evacuated that week to more than 6,000. Sailors and Marines from the "Iwo Jima" (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) including "Nashville" (LPD 13), "Whidbey Island" (LSD 41), "Trenton" (LPD 14) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) arrived on station July 20 and began using utility landing craft (LCU) to safely transport American citizens wishing to depart Lebanon to avoid the hostilities. By July 24, more than 12,000 American citizens had been pulled out of Lebanon. Most of the American citizens were transported to the island nation of Cyprus. [cite news | first=Constantine | last=Markides | coauthors= | title=Some people just don’t know how lucky they are | date=July 23, 2006 | publisher= | url =http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=27007&archive=1 | work =Cyprus Mail | pages = | accessdate = 2007-05-16 | language = ] The transfer in military responsibility to the organization that would become JTF Lebanon led by Navy Vice Admiral John "Boomer" Stufflebeem, continued the DoD mission to protect American citizens, support the American Embassy in Beirut, assist the people of Lebanon through humanitarian aid, and help the multinational effort to provide lasting regional stability.

flagicon|Ukraine Ukraine

Ukraine has over 1,200 nationals stranded in Lebanon, 379 evacuated, 1 killed. [cite news | title=Ukraine man in Lebanon feared killed in bombings | date=2006-07-19 | publisher=Kanal 5 (Ukraine) | url=http://5tv.com.ua/newsline/188/0/28422/]

Humanitarian and economic aid

flagcountry|Armenia

On 26 July, Armenia announced that it would send humanitarian aid to Lebanon. According to the Armenian government, an unspecified amount of medicines, tents and fire-fighting equipment was allocated to Lebanese authorities on July 27. They were shipped to Beirut via Syria later in the day. [ [http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2006/07/EB9E5465-7B17-4A96-B513-03AA0567FAB0.ASP Armenia To Provide Relief To Lebanon] , Armenialiberty.org] [ [http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=18992&page=1 Armenia Sent Humanitarian Assistance To Lebanon] , PanArmenian. Net]

flagcountry|Egypt

President Hosni Mubarak ordered the delivery of humanitarian aid to Lebanon in order to help the Lebanese people against Israeli attacks. Consequently on 31 July, two Egyptian military aircraft landed in Beirut, as the first dispatch of the help promised by the Egyptian government. The first aircraft carried medical and food supplies, while the second carried in addition to the humanitarian aid, the basic equipment as well as the first personnel needed to build a field military hospital, which the Egyptian government had ordered for its construction as a gift to the Lebanese people. This hospital will be equipped by around 100 doctors and other medical professionals. [ [http://www.masrawy.com/News/2006/Egypt/Local/july/31/bi.aspx طائرتا مساعدات مصرية تصلان بيروت ضمن جسر المساعدات ] ]

flagicon|EU European Union

Announced on 30 July that the European Commission had allocated 11 million euros ($14 million) under the EU's Rapid Reaction Mechanism to fund an appeal by the International Organisation for Migration in an effort to assist around 10,000 citizens from developing countries in fleeing Lebanon.cite news | title=FACTBOX-Details of aid to Lebanon | date=2006-07-30 | publisher=Reuters | url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30832830.htm]

flagcountry|Finland

Announced on 30 July that Finnish Government had pledged a grant of 1.5 million euros ($1.9 million) in emergency relief for Lebanon.

flagcountry|France

Announced on 30 July that French Government had pledged 17.5 million euros ($22.4 million) in aid and is preparing 1 million euros ($1.3 million) of food aid. A boat is also being sent to Lebanon funded by private donations and state aid.

flagcountry|Greece

Announced on 30 July that Greek Government is sending 20,000 doses of antibiotics, as well as various medical aid to Lebanon. On 31 July, the first dispatch of humanitarian aid from Greece to Lebanon landed at Cyprus' Larnaca airport, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis. The aid will be transferred to a Greek tank-landing vessel docked at the Larnaca port to be shipped to Beirut. Greece's aid pacakge includes nine tons of medical supplies, bedding and tents requested by the Lebanese government from the European Union. "Hellenic Aid mobilised all the NGOs involved in humanitarian aid and the appropriate ministries," Stylianidis noted. [ [http://english.people.com.cn/200607/25/eng20060725_286416.html Greece Sends Aid To Lebanon, Continues Evacuations] , Today's Home News (Greece)]

flagcountry|Hungary

Hungary pledged to deliver humanitarian aid worth 6 million forints (about 28,047 U.S. dollars) to Lebanon on 25 July. According to Hungarian foreign ministry spokesman Viktor Polgar, "the aid consists of basic food stuffs, baby food and supplements, medicine and primary care materials needed by doctors." [ [http://english.people.com.cn/200607/25/eng20060725_286416.html Hungary Sends Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon] , People's Online Daily]

IRL

Announced on 30 July that Republic of Ireland Government pledged to provide 1 million euros ($1.3 million) in relief assistance for Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

flagcountry|Jordan

Despite their denouncement of Hezbollah, Jordan supports Lebanon with aid. King Abdullah also ordered relief planes to arrive at the Beirut International Airport, some with several tons of food items and medical supplies to provide help to the Lebanese, and others with an equipped field hospital. Teams from the royal engineering force accompanied the plane to reopen Beirut Airport. [ [http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jul/27/11000.htm Jordanian Relief Plane Arrives in Lebanon] , Petra News Agency] [ [http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jul/26/7000.htm King Announces the Arrival of the First Aid Plane to Lebanon] , Petra News Agency] The planes are a total of seven since 29 July. Faisal al-Fayez said the impression of the Lebanese people for the opening of the field hospital is great, pointing out that Lebanese Minister of Education and Higher Education Khaled Qabbani opened the field hospital yesterday as it startsed work to relieve the suffering of the brethren Lebanese and to treat the victims of Israeli aggression. [ [http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jul/29/7000.htm Seventh Relief Plane Lands in Beirut] , Petra News Agency]

However, there are also reports that some aid from Jordan along with offers of medical assistance has been shunned by some Lebanese citizens in protest at the Jordanian Government's reaction towards the attacks on Lebanon. [ [http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060728/wl_nm/mideast_lebanon_jordan_dc Lebanese wounded turn cold shoulder on Jordan aid] , Reuters (Berlin)] Other reports also that the medicine sent by Jordan is being stolen and then sold, Lebanese officials claim its people from the Amal movement.Fact|date=February 2007

The peace treaty between Jordan and Israel has probably played an important role in the Jordanian initiative of sending relief planes, in fact, countries like the United Arab Emirates are taking advantage of that by using the Amman Airport as the medium of sending their own relief planes to Lebanon. [ [http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jul/29/5000.htm Two UAE Relief Planes Depart Amman for Beirut] , Reuters (Berlin)] That's because Jordan has opened a safe air passage between Lebanon and Jordan to be used for aid.

A TV station held a telethon to collect aid for the Lebanese and the Palestinians. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1832692,00.html Muslims unite in anger over Lebanon] , The Guardian]

flagcountry|Kuwait

Kuwait donated $300 million for reconstruction in addition to an earlier donation of $20 million. Kuwait has also provided $500 million to be deposited in Lebanon's central bank. [ [http://www.strategiy.com/bankingnew.asp?id=20060731071620 Kuwait to give Lebanon 800 million dollar aid package] , Strategiy.com]

flagcountry|Morocco

Morocco sent MAD 6 million ($700,000) worth of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Morocco also granted $5,000,000 for relief. [ [http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=16020 Morocco sends humanitarian aid to Lebanon] , moroccoTimes.com ]

flagcountry|Saudi Arabia

Saudi King Abdullah has promised to grant $1.5 billion to Lebanon to pay for reconstruction. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5214354.stm Saudi King Offers Lebanon $1.5bn] , BBC World News]

flagcountry|Syria

At the peak of the crisis, some 180,000 people sought temporary accommodation in and around the Syrian capital of Damascus. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and its emergency response affiliate, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) provided immediate humanitarian relief in response to the conflict, establishing a Mother and Child Health Centre at Damascus University campus which provided specialist medical care, a pharmacy and a day care centre for young children. This facility accommodated 1,300 displaced persons; the majority of whom were mothers and young children. In conjunction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), AKDN and FOCUS established and managed relief distribution warehouses in the key locations of Tartous, Homs and Salamieh. The agencies also oversaw registration and profiling of displaced persons, and the distribution of non-food items. Furthermore, over 100 local community volunteers were mobilised to provide essential logistical support to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Volunteers distributed relief items including hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils, safe drinking water and high-energy biscuits to assist families during the conflict and also on their return journey to Lebanon. [cite web |url=http://www.akdn.org/news/2006Aug21.html |title=Press Release: FOCUS and AKDN Contribute to Helping Lebanese Families in Syria - AKDN, August 21, 2006 |accessdate=2006-12-02]

flagcountry|Turkey

In tandem with shipments of aid the Palestinians sent on 19 July and 27 July the Red Crescent announced on 31 July that two Arctic trucks carrying medical aid, foodstuffs and kitchen utensils were being sent from Turkey to Lebanon. [tr icon [http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20060727&hn=35116 Red Crescent Aid Convoy Leaves Turkey for Palestine] , ZAMAN Daily Newspaper]

flagcountry|United Arab Emirates

On 25 July United Arab Emirates pledged 20 million dollars towards the UN Programme for the Relief of Lebanon.United Arab Emirates has conducted a telethon, aired live on various Dubai and Emirates TV channels. [ [http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/cb96a5fddc040ee2c46e9f0db073f5c6.htm Lebanon: Arab Nations More Generous Than Western Counterparts] , Reuters AlertNet] UAE continues to send aid to Lebanon via the Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan. [ [http://english.people.com.cn/200607/30/eng20060730_288186.html Two UAE Relief Planes Depart Amman For Beirut] , People's Daily Online]

flagcountry|UK

Announced on 30 July that British Government had pledged an extra 2.2 million pounds ($4.1 million), taking total British commitment to 5 million pounds ($9.4 million).

flagcountry|United States

In addition to $230 million that Washington pledged at an August conference in Stockholm, pledges of grants and loans are $770 million from the United States. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/25/AR2007012500388_pf.html $7.6 Billion in Assistance Pledged to Lebanon - washingtonpost.com ] ]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (based in Utah) has prepared a plane shipment of aid to be sent to Lebanon, and has also met a request from Magen David Adom for $50,000 to be used for their "blood services program, ambulance response, and support of individual family needs". [ [http://lds.org/newsroom/showrelease/0,15503,3881-1-23770,00.html] , Intellectual Reserve]

References