Trudeau Commits $25-Million for Charities in Lebanon, One Allegedly Linked to Terrorism

Canada is increasing its humanitarian aid package for Lebanon by an additional $15 million, raising the total to $25 million in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that the newly allocated funds will support both Canadian and international aid organizations in delivering essential services such as food, water, emergency health care, and other forms of assistance in Lebanon, although specific distribution details remain to be finalized.

“The impact of this conflict on civilians in Lebanon and beyond is devastating,” Mr. Hussen stated during a press briefing. “Today, Canada has announced a commitment of $25 million to bolster humanitarian efforts aimed at aiding the most vulnerable civilians in Lebanon.”

The recent announcement of $15 million in new funding adds to the $10 million in aid previously disclosed by Mr. Hussen at the end of September.

Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announces additional $15 Million in Aid for Lebanon – CBC Image

He stated that $6 million of the previously announced funds will be allocated to both the Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition, which comprises 11 charities, to match up to $3 million each in donations received for their respective Lebanon aid initiatives.

His commitment to the Humanitarian Coalition persists even in light of allegations against one of its member charities, Islamic Relief, which is accused of funding Hamas and maintaining connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. In 2014, the United Arab Emirates classified Islamic Relief as a terrorist organisation.

Mr. Hussen reported that over 2,000 individuals have lost their lives in Lebanon, including two Canadians, with thousands more suffering injuries. The ongoing conflict has exerted considerable strain on the humanitarian organizations operating in the region.

He emphasized the urgent need for food, medicine, shelter materials, and emergency health care in Lebanon.

Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, – VOR Image

On Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada announced that it has successfully assisted nearly 1,050 Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members in departing from Lebanon. It reports that it has also assisted approximately 250 individuals from various countries in departing Lebanon.

The agency reports a decline in new requests for information on departure options, now receiving fewer than 100 each day. All eligible travellers have been provided with departure opportunities, have already departed, or are scheduled to leave in the upcoming days.

According to Global Affairs Canada, a total of 205 individuals departed from Lebanon on Monday and Tuesday.

As of October 8, over 25,000 Canadians were officially registered in Lebanon; however, officials indicated that the actual figure could be greater, as registration is not mandatory. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has indicated that there are approximately 45,000 Canadians currently in the country.

On Wednesday, Mr. Hussen once again urged Canadians to evacuate Lebanon. A representative for Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the current priority is assisting Canadian citizens and permanent residents, along with their spouses and children, in obtaining the necessary travel documents.

“Additionally, we are focusing on the processing of specific categories of family class permanent resident applications,” stated spokeswoman Renee Proctor in an e-mailed statement.

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