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LIVE: UN briefing media on humanitarian crises, focus expected to be on the Middle East
Summary
The humanitarian situation in the Middle East is deteriorating, with significant civilian casualties reported due to military actions. In Lebanon, nearly 30,000 residents have been displaced following Israeli airstrikes, raising concerns about the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.
In Iran, the government’s crackdown on dissent and internet restrictions have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, limiting access to essential information and services. The UN agencies are mobilizing resources to address the escalating needs, but operational capacities are strained.
The World Food Programme faces severe funding shortages, impacting its ability to provide food assistance in Gaza and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, escalating violence at the Pakistani border has displaced thousands, further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation.
Acute malnutrition among children in Afghanistan is at critical levels, with millions in urgent need of assistance. The ongoing conflict and economic instability hinder effective humanitarian responses, raising concerns about child mortality and the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.
Perspectives
Humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Afghanistan are escalating, with significant impacts on civilians, particularly children.
Humanitarian Organizations
- Call for immediate cessation of hostilities to protect civilians
- Highlight the urgent need for funding to support humanitarian operations
- Emphasize the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law
- Report significant displacement and humanitarian needs in affected regions
- Stress the critical situation of children facing malnutrition and lack of access to services
Governments and Military Actors
- Engage in military actions that result in civilian casualties
- Issue eviction warnings leading to mass displacement
- Implement internet restrictions that hinder humanitarian efforts
- Conduct operations without adequate consideration for civilian safety
- Fail to provide sufficient humanitarian access amidst ongoing conflicts
Neutral / Shared
- Report on the operational challenges faced by humanitarian organizations
- Acknowledge the complexities of military engagement in civilian areas
- Discuss the need for effective coordination among humanitarian actors
Metrics
displacement
30,000 people
residents fled affected areas in southern Lebanon
This significant number indicates a growing humanitarian crisis.
nearly 30,000 residents had fled the affected areas overnight
refugees
1.6 million people
Iran hosts refugees and people in need of protection
This figure underscores the scale of the refugee crisis in the region.
Iran hosts 1.6 million refugees and other people in need of international protection
displacement
nearly 30,000 people
number of displaced individuals in collective shelters
This figure highlights the scale of the humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon.
nearly 30,000 people were hosted and registered at collective shelters
casualties
seven children have been killed children
number of children killed since the weekend
The loss of children's lives underscores the severe impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations.
the reported number in Lebanon is now at seven children killed
injuries
38 injured children
number of children injured since the weekend
Injuries among children reflect the ongoing dangers posed by military actions.
38 injured since the weekend
eviction_warnings
over 53 villages
number of villages affected by eviction warnings
Eviction warnings contribute to the displacement crisis and highlight the scale of military operations.
Israel issued eviction warnings to the residents of more than 53 Lebanese villages
food_supply
25%
percentage of daily food needs for Gaza
A reduction to this level indicates a severe humanitarian crisis.
we will go back to 25% of the daily needs.
food_supply
1.6 million people
number of people receiving full food supply during ceasefire
This highlights the scale of food insecurity if access is not restored.
we were able to provide 1.6 million people with 100% of their daily food needs.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Nine people were killed in Bidshimesh due to a missile strike, raising concerns about civilian casualties amid escalating hostilities in Lebanon. Nearly 30,000 residents fled affected areas in southern Lebanon, adding to the 64,000 already displaced by Israeli strikes.
- In the central Israeli city of Bidshimesh, nine people were killed when a missile struck a residential area, raising concerns about civilian casualties. The escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, marked by Hezbollahs missile attacks into Israel and Israels counter-strikes, has further exacerbated the situation
- Reports indicate that nearly 30,000 residents fled affected areas in southern Lebanon overnight, adding to the 64,000 already displaced due to Israeli strikes. International humanitarian law mandates that military attacks must adhere to principles of distinction and proportionality to protect civilians
- In Iran, there are serious concerns for the populations welfare due to the governments crackdown on dissent. Authorities are reminded of their obligations under international human rights law to safeguard fundamental freedoms, especially as many Iranians face restricted internet access
- The UN refugee agency, UNITCR, expresses deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its impact on civilians. This situation risks overwhelming host communities already hosting millions of refugees and internally displaced people
05:00–10:00
Heavy displacement is occurring in southern Lebanon, with nearly 30,000 people now in collective shelters due to eviction warnings from Israel. UNICEF reports that seven children have been killed and 38 injured since the weekend amid escalating military actions.
- Heavy displacement is reported across southern Lebanon, with nearly 30,000 people hosted in collective shelters after Israel issued eviction warnings to over 53 villages. Many families are fleeing with limited belongings, uncertain of where they will stay
- UNITCR has mobilized resources to respond to the emerging needs in Lebanon, coordinating with the government and humanitarian partners. They are prepared to scale up assistance to protect civilians and ensure safe access for those fleeing
- UNICEF expresses deep concern over the military escalation in the Middle East, highlighting that children are the most affected by the conflict. Reports indicate that seven children have been killed and 38 injured in Lebanon since the weekend
10:00–15:00
UNICEF calls for the protection of children amidst escalating hostilities in the Middle East, emphasizing that they must never be targets. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has activated its disaster response fund, allocating 1.5 million CHF to support humanitarian efforts in Iran.
- UNICEF emphasizes that international humanitarian law mandates the protection of children at all times, urging immediate action to prevent their targeting amidst escalating hostilities in the Middle East
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has activated its disaster response emergency fund, allocating 1.5 million CHF to support humanitarian efforts in Iran. Emergency medical teams have been dispatched to provide on-site triage and medical evacuation for injured individuals
- The Lebanese Red Cross has activated all emergency health services across the country, while in Israel, Maghen David Adom has mobilized staff and volunteers to treat casualties and support evacuations from affected areas
15:00–20:00
The World Food Programme is facing a significant reduction in food supply for Gaza, potentially decreasing to 25% of daily needs if access does not improve. The attack on a girl's school in Iran has raised serious concerns about civilian safety and adherence to international humanitarian law.
- The World Food Programme is facing a significant reduction in food supply for Gaza, potentially decreasing to 25% of daily needs if access does not improve. Previously, they provided 1.6 million people with 100% of their daily food needs during the ceasefire
- The attack on a girls school in Iran has been described as devastating, with reports of children being killed and blood-stained backpacks found. This incident underscores the senselessness and cruelty of the ongoing conflict
- International humanitarian law mandates that military attacks must adhere to principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to protect civilians. Violations of these principles may constitute war crimes
- Communication challenges in Iran are complicating the verification of incidents, including the attack on the school. The Iranian Red Crescent has deployed teams to the site but lacks a clear picture of the situation
- The only confirmed crossing for humanitarian aid into Gaza is Kirim Shalom, which was announced to be opening today. The World Food Programme is monitoring the situation to ensure that aid can be delivered effectively
20:00–25:00
Humanitarian aid operations are set to begin at the Kirim Shalom crossing, contingent on verification of truck manifests. The ongoing crisis is straining resources and may lead to the suspension of operations in Jordan and Lebanon due to underfunding.
- The only confirmed crossing for humanitarian aid into Gaza is Kirim Shalom, with operations expected to start today or tomorrow, pending verification of truck manifests
- There is a pressing need for predictable funding to address the growing humanitarian needs across multiple countries, including Jordan and Lebanon, where operations may need to be suspended due to underfunding
- The ongoing crisis is expected to significantly impact people movements, leading to increased numbers of displaced individuals and further strain on humanitarian resources
- Disruptions to supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, are anticipated to raise food prices and affect the availability of commodities, putting additional pressure on humanitarian efforts
- Reports indicate that nine hospitals in Iran have been hit, with damage confirmed to Tehran Gandhi hospital, although the Ministry of Health asserts that health services continue without interruption
25:00–30:00
The humanitarian hub in Dubai is operational, but logistics challenges may lead to increased costs and delays in moving commodities. UNITCR monitors cross-border movements between Iran and Turkey, with daily crossings typically ranging from 2,500 to 3,000.
- The humanitarian hub in Dubai is operational, but logistics considerations may lead to disruptions and increased costs for moving commodities, particularly via land routes
- Efforts are underway to assess global needs, with Turkey recognized as a key food procurement hub for humanitarian operations
- Due to internet restrictions, there is no team on the ground in Iran, limiting the ability to gather essential information and relying on credible sources for corroboration
- UNITCR monitors cross-border movements between Iran and Turkey, with daily crossings typically ranging from 2,500 to 3,000, and adjustments to procedures made since early March