Thu Oct 10 22:50:10 UTC 2024: ## France to Host International Conference for Lebanon Amidst Heightened Tensions
**Paris, France** – French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will host an international conference later this month to address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and bolster security in its southern regions. The conference aims to raise humanitarian aid, rally international support, and strengthen the Lebanese armed forces, particularly in the south.
Macron’s announcement comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Israel has intensified its bombing campaign in Lebanon and deployed ground troops across the border following nearly a year of skirmishes with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. While the fighting has been primarily concentrated on the Israel-Lebanon border, it has been occurring alongside Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The French initiative seeks to provide support to Lebanon, which is struggling with the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict and a severe economic crisis. The conference will be a platform for international cooperation and coordination to address the urgent needs of the Lebanese people.
In a separate development, President Biden criticized former President Trump for spreading misinformation about the response to Hurricane Helene and Milton. He urged Trump to focus on helping those affected by the storms, condemning the “reckless disinformation” spread by Trump and his supporters. The White House clarified that the $750 million mentioned by Trump is only for immediate needs, and further aid will be allocated in the coming days. Hurricane Milton has claimed six lives.
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