LEBANON - France will triple its humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and send a first convoy of emergency aid this week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced Wednesday.

Speaking on TF1 television, Minister Barrot said the shipment will include sanitary and hygiene kits, mattresses, lamps, and a mobile medical unit intended to support civilians affected by ongoing Israeli bombardment across Lebanon.

“This first convoy carrying approximately 60 tons of humanitarian supplies is expected to arrive in Lebanon by Thursday", he said.

Minister Barrot noted that France has already provided direct financial support to four humanitarian organizations operating in the country.

He added that France is working to build an international coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies.

“The global economy must not be held hostage,” Barrot said, warning of the “major risks” disruptions in the waterway could pose to international trade.