The telethon ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to raise funds to aid Lebanon has raised over SR 100 million [$26.7 million] as of midnight local time. This figure excludes in-kind contributions from Saudi citizens and companies.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz made a personal donation of SR 10 million [$2.67 million] to the campaign. Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz donated SR 5 million [$1.3 million], and Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz donated SR 2 million [$533,319].

Proceeds from the fundraiser are in addition to the aid package for Lebanon that Saudi Arabia announced yesterday. The package includes a $500 million grant for the reconstruction of Lebanon and a $1 billion deposit with the Central Bank of Lebanon to support the Lebanese economy.  Additionally, Saudi Arabia last week provided $50 million in emergency relief assistance for the Lebanese people.

The Kingdom has also earmarked $250 million as a grant to be part of an international fund for reconstruction and relief in the Palestinian territories.

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