The U.S. has announced that it will give a further $140 million to aid Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The U.S. State Department made the announcement after Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited the White House.
The extra $140 for Syrian refugees means that the U.S. has now given Lebanon more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid over the last five years, according to The Christian Post.
Syrian refugees now make up about a quarter of Lebanon’s population. Many have fled to the country in an attempt to escape the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It is estimated that 1.5 million Syrian refugees reside in Lebanon.
The money donated by the U.S. will be used for food, shelter, medical assistance, clean water, and other basic necessities and infrastructure projects for the refugees.
President Trump met with President Hariri during his visit to the U.S. Trump said the U.S. will also continue to support the Lebanese army in its efforts to defeat the Islamic State and other extremist groups.
"We encourage other donors to join us in providing additional humanitarian assistance for those affected by the crisis in Syria, including fulfilling not yet funded previously made pledges," the State Department said.
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/Eliane29
Publication date: July 26, 2017
