Large-scale destruction and an absence of essential services are the top barriers for displaced Syrians wishing to return home, according to a survey by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
The Syria crisis entered its 14th year in March 2024. The UN estimates that 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance across the country – a 9 per cent increase from 2023.
More than 2 months after the change of government in Syria, the humanitarian situation remains critical with widespread displacement, heavily damaged infrastructure and nearly 15 million people in need of humanitarian support.
The situation in South Lebanon remains volatile, marked during the reporting period by the attempts of thousands of residents to return to villages in areas along the Blue Line where the Israeli Army maintained its presence.
Over 376,000 people are estimated to have returned to their places of origin in northern Gaza, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the two main roads along the Netzarim corridor.
At the end of 2024, the Strategic Steering Group (SSG) in Syria agreed to publish a document highlighting the humanitarian response priorities for 1 January-31 March 2025, aiming to address the most urgent humanitarian needs across the country.
Internally Displaced Population (IPs) in camps had the highest percentage of households in need across Northeast Syria (NES), with 100% of households experiencing a gap in at least one sector.
More than 350 UNICEF aid trucks have entered the Gaza Strip in ongoing efforts to meet the needs of about 1 million children after 15 months of bombardment
The Syria crisis entered its fourteenth year in March 2024. The UN estimates that 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance across the country – a 9 per cent increase from 2023.
Since October 7, 2023, hostilities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have escalated to unprecedented levels, resulting in immense humanitarian needs in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).
While Lebanon made significant political strides with the election of a new president on 9 January, ending more than two years of presidential vacancy, and the designation of a new prime minister, humanitarian needs and response challenges remain extensive.
A temporary ceasefire will offer only temporary respite to Palestinians in Gaza. A massive and immediate increase in humanitarian aid and access is needed urgently to help them begin to recover from the immense loss and destruction that have engulfed their lives for 15 months.
Since the announcement of a cessation of hostilities on 27 November 2024, more than 868,947 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have begun returning to their communities as of 8 January.
This year represents an extremely precarious moment in Lebanon’s history, with crisis upon crisis affecting the country’s social, economic, and environmental stability.
With barely any aid coming in, people in Gaza have been experiencing the full force of winter as heavy rain and floods exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving many lives at risk.
Coordinated in Northwest Syria by the Assessment and Analysis Working Group (NWS AAWG) and cochaired by UNOCHA, REACH and IRVD (Al-AMEEN), Rapid Needs Assessments (RNAs) constitute vital initiatives to address the immediate humanitarian needs arising from sudden crises and emergency situations.
