Conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, unfolding a multi-layered public health emergency. Increasing numbers of deaths and injuries are being reported, with over 1,440 deaths and more than 18,700 injuries reported in Iran, and more than 886 deaths and 2105 injuries in Lebanon.
As of 12 March, UNHCR estimates that 1,524,736 individuals have returned to Syria from other countries since the political transition in Syria on 8 December 2024. The main governorate of return remains Damascus followed by Idleb, Aleppo, Rural Damascus and Homs.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Lebanon in a solidarity mission, highlighting the severity of the crisis and calling for protection of civilians and increased international support. Together with the Government of Lebanon, he launched 2026 Flash Appeal.
Geographical expansion and intensification of hostilities across Lebanon continue to deteriorate the humanitarian situation exposing growing number of people to persistent insecurity.
More than ten days into the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East, health systems across the Region are coming under strain as injuries and displacement rise, attacks on health care continue, and public health risks increase.
As of 9 March 2026, the escalation of hostilities in neighbouring Lebanon has led to significant cross-border movements into the Syrian Arab Republic (hereafter referred to as Syria), following a significant escalation in hostilities that began on 28 February 2026 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
It has been just over a week since the new escalation in conflict started on 2 March, when Israeli evacuation warnings to residents of more than 53 villages and densely populated areas in Lebanon and intensified airstrikes forced families across Lebanon to flee within minutes. Lives have been upended on a massive scale.
The recent escalation of hostilities across Asia and the Middle East has led to a marked deterioration in the humanitarian situation. The affected areas already host 24.6 million forcibly displaced people, many of whom already face significant protection risks and humanitarian needs, alongside host communities.
IOM Yemen DTM’s Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) tool collects data on estimated numbers of households forced to flee on a daily basis from their locations of origin or displacement, allowing for regular reporting of new displacements in terms of estimated numbers, geography, and needs.
116,900 IDPs remain internally displaced across 165 communities in Aleppo and Al-Hasakeh governorates. Critical infrastructure failures continue to impede basic services, with frequent electricity outages affecting water stations, hospitals and referral pathways.
Civilian deaths and injuries continue to increase daily, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Evacuation orders and ongoing airstrikes have worsened conditions for civilians, forcing many to experience multiple displacements.
In Gaza, restrictions on aid operations mounted as crossing closures were accompanied by the suspension of humanitarian movement coordination, medical evacuations, returns of residents from abroad, and staff rotations. The closure of the crossings drove up prices and increased reliance on humanitarian assistance.
Yemen continues to face an escalating food security crisis entring 2026, January data revealed that 63% of households nationwide struggling to meet their minimum food needs, including 36% facing severe food deprivation.
Yemen continues to endure a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people grappling with widespread food insecurity and high levels of malnutrition.
As of 25 February, no major clashes recorded during the reporting period in Al-Hasakeh Governorate. Despite the relatively stable security situation, tensions remain across North East Syria (NES), with intra-factional clashes reported in Ras Al Ain fuelling anticipatory displacement.
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.
2025 marked one of the most devastating chapters in Sudan’s recent history. Across the country, communities endured overlapping humanitarian crises that affected the lives of millions across Sudan.
