For the past 10 days Israel has blocked all entry of food, fuel, medicine and other vital supplies for civilians, and is now shutting off electricity – yet another cruel act of collective punishment and a flagrant violation of international law.
Ongoing military activities and the widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services—both during the conflict and after the cessation of hostilities—continue to hinder the safe return of displaced individuals.
Following the second deadline for the cessation of hostilities on 18 February 2025, the country to the south of Lebanon withdrew from population centres in southern Lebanon while maintaining a military presence in five strategic locations along the Blue Line.
This Area-Based Assessment (ABA) was conducted to identify the critical needs and priorities1 of affected populations through a combination of household (HH) surveys, key informant (KI) interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs).
Since October 2023, IFRC has been supporting LRC’s efforts to prepare for and respond to the spill-over effects of the escalation of hostilities in Gaza through its multi-country Emergency Appeal for the Middle East Complex Emergency, which addresses the regional implications of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli military’s repeated unlawful attacks during the war in Lebanon on health facilities, ambulances and health workers, which are protected under international law, must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today.
On 2 March, Israeli authorities announced a halt to humanitarian aid entering Gaza, jeopardizing progress made in delivering vital, lifesaving assistance since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January.
Among key priorities for the Government identified by the Prime Minister in his statement upon the occasion were implementation of Resolution 1701, ensuring a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, asserting the state’s sovereignty over all its territories exclusively through its forces and securing post-conflict reconstruction.
In 2024, Syrian children continued to endure the effects of the ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and displacement, culminating in the fall of the government on 8 December. The humanitarian situation remains fluid and unpredictable.
These denials to enter Gaza exacerbate a cycle of Israeli violations of Palestinians’ right to health. Israeli authorities control both entry into and exit from Gaza, including medical evacuations.
Mobility Tracking data indicates that 949,571 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have begun returning to their communities. Given the complexity and fluidity of population movements in the country, these observed returns cannot be considered permanent and should be viewed as a snapshot in time, as many people remain on the move.
The security situation in Syria remained volatile with sporadic security escalations. Hostilities continues to impact Northeast Syria (NES), particularly in eastern Aleppo and around the Tishreen Dam, as well as in Al-Hasakeh and ArRaqqa governorates.
Over 586,000 children under the age of 10 have been vaccinated for poliovirus across Gaza, reaching 99 per cent of the target population since the campaign began on 22 February.
On 18 February, the Israel Army withdrew from remaining population centres in southern Lebanon, while maintaining presence in five strategic positions along the Blue Line. The Lebanese Armed Forces deployed into vacated areas, supporting population returns.
At least 111,700 Palestinians were injured between 7 October 2023 and 19 February 2025, with many finding their lives permanently changed. Islamic Relief is providing emergency medical aid and mental health support, with a view to rebuilding treatment centres for those with special needs and disabilities as soon as we can.
Over 590,000 children are set to receive polio vaccinations in Gaza, with the pause in hostilities allowing a third round of the vaccines required to protect children and prevent further outbreak of the life-threatening disease, said Save the Children.
