RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates pledged $90 million to help Lebanon after its prime minister said Israeli attacks turned the country into a disaster area.

Saudi Arabia pledged $50 million to be transferred immediately to Lebanon, whereas Kuwait and the UAE announced an aid of $20 million each in response to a Lebanese appeal.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora was quoted earlier as saying Beirut needed a comprehensive plan to rush aid into the country.

The official Saudi Press Agency said King Abdullah ordered immediate transfer of $50 million ‘for the (Lebanese) prime minister to spend on emergency aid and basic services to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people’.