Since late February 2026, civilians in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel and the occupied territories, and Lebanon have faced severe threats as hostilities escalate.
Across the region, many have been killed or injured, homes and civilian infrastructure damaged, and communities forced to flee. Several states have been targeted by attacks,
and neighboring countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council member states, Iraq, and the Syrian Arab Republic, have also been affected to varying degrees.
The ICRC has a long-standing presence in the region, with 15 delegations and missions
and over 3,100 staff.
We continue confidential dialogue with parties to the conflict to remind them of their
obligations under international humanitarian law and to promote the protection of
civilians, health workers, and humanitarian personnel. Where necessary, the ICRC acts
as a neutral intermediary to facilitate safe access to medical care and humanitarian
services, and to reconnect separated family members.
In response to the current escalation, we are reinforcing our work with Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement partners across the region to meet urgent needs and prepare
for evolving emergencies.
The ICRC’s response
Islamic Republic of Iran
The Iranian Red Crescent Society, our primary partner in Iran, is providing emergency relief, medical care, and search-and-rescue support. The ICRC stands ready to supply additional aid and technical support, including providing restoring family links services and collecting requests from those who have lost contact with loved ones.
We are also coordinating with local health partners in Tehran, Mashhad, and Sistan
and Baluchistan to ensure continuity of vital medical and rehabilitation services.
Gulf Cooperation Council countries
The ICRC is monitoring the situation in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, staying in regular contact with National Societies and ready to support emergency responses. We continue key priorities, including promoting respect for IHL, supporting family-links services, and strengthening partnerships with GCC National Societies to enhance humanitarian impact.
Iraq
Together with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, we are preparing for potential spillover
effects of the conflict by supporting key hospitals with medical supplies, prepositioning
food and essential household items, and strengthening access to water and other critical services.
Israel and the occupied territories
The ICRC is sustaining its response to growing humanitarian needs in Israel and the occupied territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where operational continuity is essential to limit the impact on civilians who have already endured years of conflict.
We remain in constant dialogue with authorities to uphold IHL, protect civilians and
infrastructure, and facilitate safe passage for humanitarian personnel.
We continue to monitor the situation and work closely with Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, supporting them as needed to respond effectively to emerging needs.
Lebanon
We are engaging with parties to the conflict to promote respect for international humanitarian law and protect people affected. Working with the Lebanese Red Cross, we support life-saving services, including emergency medical care, while helping prevent family separation and ensuring the dignified management of those killed.
Together with Movement partners, we are strengthening access to essential services by delivering water, food, and basic household items, supporting primary health care and hospitals in treating the wounded and transferring vital medical equipment, and preparing shelters and relief supplies to respond quickly as needs evolve.
Syrian Arab Republic
We are monitoring the impact of escalating hostilities, including families moving from Lebanon toward border areas. Together with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, we are helping people access food, water, and other essentials, while supporting families to stay in contact through the Movement’s family-links services.
With ICRC and Movement support, the National Society has provided blankets, food, and water to displaced families that have gathered in areas near the border.
Yemen
The ICRC is monitoring the situation and its impact on people’s access to aid.
Through confidential dialogue with relevant parties, we urge respect for IHL, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and safe access to essential services.
Thank you for standing with us and supporting our work on the ground.
