The latest escalation in the Middle East is deeply concerning. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) 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.
The situation is highly complex and unfolds in a region that has been marked 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.
Food access and livelihoods at risk
Economic consequences could also quickly worsen the humanitarian situation. Rising food and fuel prices may 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 businesses hesitate to invest in their land or rebuild their businesses because 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 preventing urgently needed humanitarian assistance and medical evacuations.
At this moment, the full consequences of the conflict cannot be predicted. From a humanitarian perspective, however, the situation is extremely 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 the remarkable 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 role in helping families endure the uncertainty and repeated waves of crisis.
WHH teams prepare for potential humanitarian response
Welthungerhilfe 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 to continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance and to maintain our projects in the region wherever possible. Supporting people in crisis situations is at the core of our mandate.
