Middle East conflict displaces 4.1 million as Lebanon's crisis deepens

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has forced millions from their homes across Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Over 4.1 million people are now internally displaced, with Lebanon facing severe strain as daily exchanges of fire continue between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The UN has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis, with critical services collapsing and vulnerable groups at risk.

The situation in Lebanon has worsened dramatically since the latest surge in violence. More than 822,000 people have fled their homes inside the country, including many migrants with no safe place to go. Among the displaced are 11,600 pregnant women, with around 4,000 expected to give birth in the next three months—often in unsafe conditions due to a lack of medical care.

Healthcare is near collapse, as 55 hospitals and clinics have shut down. Some were directly damaged by strikes, while others closed after Israeli evacuation orders. The UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, has stockpiled emergency supplies across the region to counter expected supply chain breakdowns. Cross-border movement has surged as people seek safety. Over 11,400 Iranians have entered Türkiye, while more than 24,600 Afghans have returned from Iran to Afghanistan. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has helped some migrants leave Iran but lacks resources to assist all those in need. UNIFIL reports daily attacks along the Lebanon-Israel border, including rocket, missile, and drone strikes from Lebanon into Israel and the occupied Golan. Israel has responded with artillery, airstrikes, and ground incursions up to seven kilometres into Lebanese territory. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently visited Beirut in a show of solidarity, amid ongoing airstrikes and rocket fire. Lebanon already hosted over 200,000 migrants, mostly Syrians, before the latest crisis. As of December 2025, the country officially registered 532,357 Syrian refugees. Neighbouring Turkey and Jordan have taken in far larger numbers, with Turkey hosting 2,310,408 registered Syrian refugees as of February 2026 and Jordan sheltering 404,047.

The conflict has displaced millions and left essential services in ruins. Hospitals remain closed, pregnant women face dangerous childbirth conditions, and migrants struggle to find safe routes out. With the UN and aid agencies stretched thin, the humanitarian toll continues to rise as fighting persists.