Hadja Lahbib said after talks with Joseph Aoun in Beirut that more than three million people across Lebanon currently depend on aid.“At present, more than three million people, meaning more than half of the population here in Lebanon, depend on humanitarian aid to survive,” Lahbib told reporters.

The comments underscore the growing humanitarian toll of the conflict that erupted on March 2 between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, displacing more than one million people and placing severe strain on Lebanon’s already fragile economy and public services.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes since early March have killed more than 2,700 people. Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon despite a ceasefire aimed at halting the two-month war.

Lahbib said the European Union had allocated 100 million euros ($108 million) in assistance since the start of the conflict and dispatched six humanitarian aid flights to Lebanon, with another expected on Saturday.

The United Nations launched an emergency appeal in March seeking $308 million for humanitarian operations in Lebanon. U.N. agencies say only $126 million has been secured so far, leaving critical funding gaps for food, shelter and medical assistance.

Lahbib described the ceasefire as “a narrow window of hope” but said a sustainable peace would require action from both sides.She called on Hezbollah to halt attacks and disarm, while urging Israel to end its bombardment campaign.

“For a ceasefire to lead to peace, courage is needed political courage to address the root causes of this conflict,” Lahbib said.Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting are continuing, with Israel and Lebanon expected to hold a third round of talks in Washington next week despite Hezbollah’s opposition to direct negotiations with Israel.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Square after his Regina Coeli prayer, the pontiff said he felt “closer than ever” to Lebanon amid escalating violence, describing a moral obligation under international law to shield civilians from the effects of war.“

The principle of humanity entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war,” he said, addressing crowds gathered at the Vatican.

Lebanon has been drawn into the regional conflict since last month, as Israel intensified strikes against Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 2,000 people killed.

Without naming specific countries, the pope urged warring sides to seek a peaceful resolution, reiterating calls for dialogue and mediation over continued military escalation.

His remarks followed the failure of recent talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan to reach an agreement aimed at ending the broader conflict.

On Saturday, the pope delivered one of his strongest appeals yet against the war, calling on leaders to halt hostilities and return to negotiations. “Stop! It is time for peace!” he said, criticizing what he described as a growing reliance on rearmament and displays of power.

The 70-year-old pontiff, who leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

He is scheduled to travel to Algeria on Monday for an 11-day visit focused on interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties with the Islamic world.