The UN estimates that in 2026, 16.5 million people across Syria need humanitarian assistance. Since the political transition in December 2024 until the end of January 2026, over 1.3 million Syrians have returned home from countries of asylum.
As part of the Syria Earthquake Emergency Appeal, CHF 6 million was made available to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) in December 2024 to support the continuation of planned response and recovery activities.
Lebanon faces deep socioeconomic, political, and security crises, affecting nearly half the population. The escalation of armed conflict in late 2023 and 2024 worsened conditions, particularly for the most marginalized children and families.
The situation in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh and Ar-Raqqa governorates has largely stabilized in recent days, following the agreement announced on 30 January 2026. Active hostilities have subsided, bringing a greater sense of calm, even as localized incidents, precautionary security measures, and community concerns persist in many areas.
This report documents the proceedings and key outcomes of the fourth roundtable discussion organized by the WE’AM Project, held on December 4, 2025, in Chtoura, Bekaa region, Lebanon.
Al Fasher remains under near‑siege, with severe protection risks as well as shortages of food, water, health care, and essential supplies, while insecurity and blocked routes continue to restrict humanitarian access and overstretch services for displaced families.
The security situation in Aleppo, Al-Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and Deir-ez-Zor Governorates has sharply deteriorated over the past week due to rapid territorial shifts and escalation of violence in some regions resulting in increased displacement and humanitarian needs.
A critical escalation in military clashes between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) erupted on January 6, 2026, marking the most intense conflict in Aleppo since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Children in Gaza are exposed to harsh winter conditions, including cold temperatures, heavy rainfall, strong winds of 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph), and contaminated floodwaters.
On 11 January, a ceasefire agreement was announced, following which initial, limited return movements were observed, particularly to the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. Returns to Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud remain gradual, pending authorization and completion of UXO clearance.
Since 6 January, clashes in Aleppo Governorate have continued between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). As of 10 January, the Aleppo Health Directorate reported a total of 23 deaths and 104 injuries.
Since 6 January, hostilities resumed in Aleppo City between the Syrian Government Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Fighting in the densely populated neighbourhoods of Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh home to approximately 500,000 people, has reportedly resulted in at least nine casualties (including at least one child and two women), 55 injuries, and extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure, and key health facilities including Zahi Azraq Hospital and a private hospital.
Following the capture of Al Fasher at the end of October, over 106,000 people were displaced to surrounding localities, primarily Tawila. UNICEF scaled up interventions in North Darfur, with nine health facilities and two mobile clinics in Tawila providing essential services.
Over 1.9 million internally displaced persons and close to 1.3 million Syrian refugees have returned to their areas of origin or other locations across Syria. Around 57 per cent of the returnees are children.
The situation in Hadramawt Al Wadi has continued to stabilize following the recent shifts in territorial control earlier this month. Reports indicate a decline in hostilities, supported by reported prohibitions on carrying weapons within city centers.
Escalating violence and sieges in Kordofan are trapping civilians, destroying essential services, driving famine risks and displacement, and severely restricting life-saving assistance.
An estimated 5.97 million people are currently in IPC Phase 3 or worse, including 28,000 in Phase 5 (Catastrophe). Projections indicate this could rise to 7.56 million during the 2026 lean season, with 3.26 million women and children acutely malnourished or at risk.
Children in the Syrian Arab Republic continue to face significant vulnerabilities after 14 years of conflict. Despite renewed engagement following the change in authorities in late 2024, humanitarian needs are rising due to large-scale returns, economic decline, climate shocks and damaged infrastructure.
On 3 December, the UNRWA Commissioner-General issued a statement on the continued challenges facing people in Gaza, as well as how UNRWA colleagues assist the population – including by supplying 90,000 cubic metres of water to communities and disposing of 9,000 tons of solid waste in November 2025.
The overall humanitarian situation in Hadramawt remains relatively stable, supported by the recent halt in military operations. However, the rapid shift in territorial control and the presence of multiple armed actors have created uncertainty that continues to affect civilian movement and needs.
