Plans for wheat aid announced

Iraqi trade minister reports 6,000 Lebanese refugees remain in Iraq

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Trade announced Monday that 6,000 Lebanese refugees remain in Iraq out of the 57,000 who sought shelter during the war with Israel. Deputy Trade Minister Star Jabbar Al-Jabri made the announcement during a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Lebanon’s Western Beqaa District.

Al-Jabri highlighted Iraq’s extensive humanitarian efforts during the conflict, including providing thousands of tons of food and medical aid and hosting tens of thousands of refugees. While most have returned to Lebanon, 6,000 remain in Iraq, he said.

He also announced plans to deliver 320,000 tons of wheat to Lebanon via land routes once conditions in Syria allow for safe transport. “The Iraqi people, government, and institutions have always stood by Lebanon during difficult times, and we will continue to do so,” Al-Jabri said.

Iraq extended aid to Lebanon and welcomed Lebanese refugees seeking safety in response to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Iraqi government dispatched medical teams and shipments of medical supplies to Beirut, with the first aid plane arriving at Rafic Hariri International Airport in September.

Following the ceasefire announcement on Nov. 27, 2024, between Hezbollah and Israel, marking the end of over a year of hostilities, many Lebanese refugees are returning to their homeland. Mediated by the United States and France, the agreement includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese security forces.