Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel;
Credit: MAEE
On Wednesday 6 December 2023, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the follow-up videoconference of the International Humanitarian Conference for the civilian population of Gaza.
The latter was held on 9 November in Paris and Xavier Bettel had already participated in it as Prime Minister.
In the dramatic humanitarian context facing the Gaza Strip and recalling the obligation to respect international humanitarian law which notably implies access to humanitarian aid, the meeting had three objectives: to ensure follow-up on the financial announcements made on 9 November, identify operational solutions to increase the volumes of aid and ensure its continuous delivery and strengthen coordination between humanitarian actors.
Since the start of hostilities, Luxembourg has contributed €3 million in humanitarian aid to international efforts in the region. Through these contributions, the Grand Duchy has been supporting the efforts of the international humanitarian community in Gaza, particularly in the areas of emergency shelter, food aid and psychological support, as well as in the areas of health and education. In addition, Luxembourg provided in-kind donations worth more than €140,000.
Minister Bettel thanked France for organising this new humanitarian conference, at a desperate time for the civilian population of Gaza. “Every day that passes, more blood is shed. It is absolutely essential that the truce be renewed and that efforts towards a ceasefire be undertaken urgently. All remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally,” stressed Xavier Bettel.
The minister emphasised the importance for the entire international community, and in particular, the countries with the most influence on the various stakeholders, to use their power to put an end to the suffering of civilian populations.
Luxembourg highlighted the need to take all possible measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities.
