Minister of Development Åsmund Aukrust: ‘It is heartbreaking that innocent Lebanese people are being affected‘

Press release | Date: 11/04/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'Following Israel's massive bombing campaign this week, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is at breaking point. In the space of 24 hours, 300 people were killed and over 1,000 wounded. Children, civilians and healthcare workers have been killed. This is why Norway is now increasing its humanitarian aid to Lebanon by NOK 30 million (appr. USD 3 million)', said Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust.

The aid will be channelled to the UN Country Programme for Lebanon, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Lebanon and the World Food Programme (WFP), which will each receive NOK 10 million (appr. USD 1 million). The aid will fund basic needs such as shelter, healthcare, cash assistance and protection, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.

The humanitarian needs in Lebanon are enormous following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began in late February. Israel has bombed civilian infrastructure such as homes, schools, hospitals and roads. A total of 1,888 people have been killed and 6,092 wounded in Israeli attacks. Over a million people have been internally displaced. The material destruction is unimaginable.

'It is heartbreaking that innocent Lebanese people are being affected. In addition to the loss and trauma the population must live with, it will take several years to rebuild what Israel has destroyed in the space of a few weeks. We have made it clear that Israel has a duty to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure', said Aukrust.

The UN has expressed deep concern over the restrictions Israel is imposing on requests for humanitarian access, both south of the Litani River and elsewhere in Lebanon.

'We share the UN's concern that Israel is limiting both the UN's and humanitarian organisations' ability to help people living in distress and insecurity due to the hostilities. Under international humanitarian law, the parties have a duty to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians in need', said the Minister for Development.

With this increase, Norway has contributed NOK 236 million (appr. USD 23 million) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon this year. This amount includes 10 per cent of the funds that the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Red Cross' Disaster Emergency Response Fund (DREF) have channeled to Lebanon, which is financed by Norway.