Paris Conference Aims to Aid Lebanon Amid Global Discord

World powers gather in Paris to address Lebanon's crisis, focusing on humanitarian aid and security. Despite hosting 70 delegations, France faces challenges in mediating as the U.S. and other key players are not fully engaged. The conference seeks to boost support for Lebanon amid ongoing violence.

World leaders convened in Paris on Thursday with the aim of providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and bolstering its security forces, though expectations for progress remain limited. France, historically tied to Lebanon, orchestrated the conference as a demonstration of its ongoing influence.

The meeting includes 70 delegations and 15 international organizations, yet key figures like U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud are notably absent. The U.S. is focusing its efforts elsewhere in the Middle East, and the support for Lebanon appears uncertain.

The conference aims to reiterate the need to cease hostilities in line with U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 and seeks international aid for displaced populations. France's coordination with the U.S. remains fragile, with political ambitions unclear amid ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies.)