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.
In alignment with its planned exit strategy, WFP has finalized the transfer of its programmes to integrate achievements realized during the 2022–2025 CSP into national systems, thereby supporting long-term development beyond WFP’s direct engagement.
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.
Yemen faced poor sorghum harvests due to early-season drought followed by floods, water-stressed perennial crops likely to reduce future yields, severely degraded rangelands lowering livestock productivity and milk output, and heightened pest and disease pressures threatening vegetable production.
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.
Between July and October 2025, median bread prices remained largely stable nationwide and regionally. Bread availability on the other hand, improved notably: the share of vendors reporting access to government-supported bread increased from 74% to 91% nationwide.
Yemen’s weather from the third dekad of November through the first dekad of December 2025 is expected to remain cool and dry, marking the seasonal shift into winter.
After 14 years of conflict and recurrent climate shocks, the agriculture sector has been among the hardest hit in the Syrian Arab Republic, with severe damage to productive assets and widespread disruption to food production.
Conflict escalation in Al Fasher and North Kordofan triggered mass displacement, with over 97,800 people fleeing violence. Public health emergencies worsened, as cholera spread to 82 localities with 2,396 new cases and a 3.7 per cent fatality rate, while dengue cases surged past 16,500.
