Escalation in the Middle East: Civilians Must Remain at the Center
Tyjen ConleyTeam CommunicationsThe latest escalation in the Middle East is deeply concerning. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) teams inGaza, theWest Bank,Syria,Iraq,Jordan,LebanonandAfghanistanare currently in close. . .
Tyjen ConleyTeam CommunicationsThe latest escalation in the Middle East is deeply concerning. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) teams inGaza, theWest Bank,Syria,Iraq,Jordan,LebanonandAfghanistanare currently in close coordination to assess developments and ensure we can respond where needed. The situation is highly complex and unfolds in a region that has beenmarked by multiple crises and long-standing instability. Across several countries, millions of people are already struggling to meet their most basic needs. In places such as Gaza and Syria, hunger is widespread. Access to medicine and clean water is critically limited. Many families lack adequate shelter. A region already facing hardshipFor countless people, fear, uncertainty and loss have long been part of everyday life—as is also the case in Lebanon and Iraq. Field teams and local partner organizations report thattensions have risen noticeably in recent weeks, particularly in southern Lebanon in areas such as Nabatiyeh and Bint Jbeil. Bombardments in nearby areas occur frequently, sometimes several times a day, forcing people to move cautiously and limiting everyday activities. Many families are living in aconstant state of anxiety and stress, uncertain whether the situation will deteriorate further. In moments like these, public debate often focuses on questions of political responsibility and military strategy. Yet it is essential that we do not lose sight of those who are most affected:the civilian population. This is Fatima and her children in 2024, after they fled from southern Lebanon to Beirut following heavy bombardement of their home region. Families like hers are the ones who suffer most from violent conflicts such as the recent escalations. © Glinski / WelthungerhilfeIn armed conflicts, civilians are the ones most likely to pay the highest price. Further military escalation could lead to the destruction of civilian infrastructure that is essential for people’s survival, includinghospitals,water systemsandfood supply networks. We fearadditional waves of forced displacement, as families are once again driven to flee their homes. Food access and livelihoods at riskEconomic consequences could also quickly worsen the humanitarian situation. Rising food and fuel pricesmay further strain already fragile supply systems and make it even harder for families to access sufficient and nutritious food. This insecurity directly affects people’s livelihoods. Farmers and small businesseshesitate to invest in their land or rebuild their businessesbecause the situation remains unstable. For many households, this uncertainty makes it even harder to secure an income and maintain food production. At the same time, border crossings may remain closed,delaying or preventingurgently neededhumanitarian assistanceandmedical evacuations. At this moment,the full consequences of the conflict cannot be predicted. From a humanitarian perspective, however, the situation isextremely fragile. While systems have not yet fully collapsed, humanitarian actors are observing a clear increase in vulnerability among affected communities. Needs could rise rapidly if the security situation deteriorates further. At the same time, local partners emphasize theremarkable resilience of communities. Across different regions and backgrounds, people are supporting each other and trying to weather the situation together. Community solidarity plays a crucial rolein helping families endure the uncertainty and repeated waves of crisis. We will do everything within our mandate to maintain our projects and lifesaving humanitarian assistance in the region. However, let's be honest: every further escalation makes our work more difficult. It endangers both those delivering assistance and those who need it. Mathias MoggeGeneral Secretary of WHHWHH teams prepare for potential humanitarian responseWelthungerhilfe is closely monitoring the situation and preparing different scenarios for humanitarian action. Our emergency experts in Germany and our teams in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Afghanistan are currently in close coordination to assess developments and ensure we can respond where needed. Our priority is tocontinue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistanceand tomaintain our projects in the regionwherever possible. Supporting people in crisis situations is at the core of our mandate. Support of IDPs in LebanonIn Lebanon, we are preparing humanitarian assistance together with partner organizations such as SHIELD for people who have fled the fighting in the south of the country and were forced to leave everything behind. So far, around60,000 IPDshave found shelter in330 collective sites. We are assessing the provision of additional shelters, for example, withhygiene items,baby kits, andpsychosocial support. At the same time, we must be honest:each further escalation makes humanitarian work more difficult. It increases the risks for those delivering aid and for those who depend on it. Many of our local partners are themselves affected by the current escalation. Some staff members are searching for safe housing for their families while continuing their humanitarian work. Despite these challenges, partners remain committed to assessing needs and adapting their response in order to support affected communities. Protecting civilians and ensuring safe humanitarian access must therefore be a top priority. Categories