Consequences of airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Middle East: More shocks, rising displacement and threats to health systems Peace and security
The fighting in the Middle East has continued for the sixth day. According to media reports, Iran, Israel, Lebanon and a number of Gulf countries continue to suffer from drone strikes, missiles and aircraft. NATO forces are also reported to have intercepted a missile fired at Turkey by Iran, claims Tehran denies.
According to available information, the Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN Office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed the situation with Iran’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, Amir Saeed Iravani.
As the press secretary of the UN chief told reporters on Wednesday, the Secretary-General expressed hope for “an early end to the conflict and a return to dialogue in the interests of regional stability.”
Increasing displacement in Lebanon
Amid ongoing shelling, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers helped evacuate civilians residents from several villages along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between the Israeli and Lebanese armed forces.
According to the mission, among the evacuees were children, elderly people and people with disabilities. Peacekeepers are working to protect civilians despite the challenging security environment.
A new wave of displacement in Lebanon has forced more than 58,000 people to flee their homes in just two days. Many are taking refuge in overcrowded public schools. This was reported from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The agency warns that disruptions to sexual and reproductive health services increase risks for women and girls. UNFPA is deploying mobile medical teams, providing psychological support and distributing emergency kits to shelters.
The situation of refugees throughout the region
The conflict is exacerbating the humanitarian situation throughout the region. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the situation for vulnerable groups has worsened markedly since the start of Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran. In total, more than 330 thousand people have been forced to flee their homes in recent days.
Almost 25 million internally displaced people already live in the affected countries. Many of them face serious risks and growing humanitarian needs, UNHCR notes.
Economic consequences for Afghanistan
The escalation also affects the economy and transport links of Afghanistan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported (OCHA). Although Kabul International Airport remains operational, restrictions on the use of airspace in the region have already led to flight cancellations or delays.
Iran, one of Afghanistan’s main trading partners, has reportedly suspended exports of goods to the country. This has raised concerns about rising prices and dwindling supplies of fuel and staple foods. However, border crossings remain open for the movement of people.
WHO warns of attacks on health facilities
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhi warned that the escalation has serious consequences for civilians and health systems.
According to available data, more than a thousand people have already died in the region and about 7 thousand have been injured.
The increase in attacks on medical institutions is of particular concern. Over the past week, WHO has confirmed 13 attacks on medical facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon. In Lebanon, evacuation orders led to the closure of 43 primary health care centers and two hospitals. Emergency services personnel were killed and injured in the violence.
Balkhi also noted that humanitarian supply chains in the region are under threat of collapse. The WHO logistics center in Dubai has temporarily suspended operations due to security concerns, airspace closures and restrictions on access to the Strait of Hormuz.
This is causing $18 million worth of medical supplies to be delayed and $8 million worth of supplies unable to be delivered to the logistics center. WHO is having difficulty responding to more than 50 urgent requests from 25 countries. The detained cargo includes medicines for Gaza and laboratory materials to combat polio.