UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday announced a flash humanitarian appeal of more than 308 million U.S. dollars during a visit to Beirut, capital of Lebanon to support civilians amid Israeli attacks.
Upon his arrival, Guterres said his visit is one of solidarity with the people of Lebanon.
"Solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in action. That is why I am pleased to join all of you today as we launch a Flash Humanitarian Appeal of 308.3 million U.S. dollars to support the people of Lebanon. This aid is urgently needed," said Guterres.
During the launch of the Flash Humanitarian Appeal, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the conflict is not chosen by people of Lebanon, and the ceasefire has become a necessity.
Salam said Lebanon is ready to attend international community-led negotiations with Israel. He emphasized that the country is committed to ensuring the state is the exclusive holder of the right to bear arms.
On March 2, Hezbollah announced the launch of rockets from Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire was declared on Nov 27, 2024.
The Israeli army launched what it described as an "offensive military campaign" against Hezbollah the same day, carrying out intense airstrikes on multiple Lebanese areas and launching border ground incursions.
The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon has risen to 773 since the escalation began on March 2, with 1,933 others wounded, Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) said on Friday.
The number of children killed has risen to 103 and the number of injured children has increased to 326, according to PHEOC.
UN launches major humanitarian appeal to support civilians in Lebanon amid conflict
Nearly 100 guests from the Chinese and American business, academic, and media sectors gathered in New York Friday to discuss new opportunities brought to the world by China's blueprint for high-quality development.
The "China in Springtime: China's Development Opportunities for the World" high-level dialogue, hosted by China Media Group, came after the "two sessions" concluded in Beijing, an event watched closely by many industry leaders in the United States.
Speakers said that as a key window into contemporary China, the annual "two sessions" once again drew global attention. This year's meetings approved important documents, including the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). This roadmap for China's high-quality growth is seen as providing a new list of opportunities for the world.
Participants emphasized that China's development cannot be separated from the world, and global prosperity also requires China. They described this year as significant for China-U.S. relations, calling for a steady, sound, and sustainable development in bilateral ties that benefits both nations and the world.
During the session, guests from the investment and technology sectors explored topics such as the potential for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, as well as the global opportunities arising from technological innovation and new quality productive forces.
The event also featured screenings of CMG-produced programs, including an amazing martial arts performance presented by a dozen humanoid robots with young Kungfu artists at the recently staged Spring Festival Gala, China's most-watched TV show.
The dialogue series will be held in countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
High-level dialogue in New York brings China's development opportunities to world
