Children at immense risk amid escalating crises across the Middle East
Children across the Middle East are facing a rapidly evolving crisis, driven by escalating conflict and instability in places like Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Syria and Yemen – deepening an already fragile situation in countries shaped by years of conflict, economic hardship, displacement and insecurity. As violence intensifies, families are facing loss, fear and disruption. Children have been killed or injured, and the homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure they rely on, such as safe drinking water, have been damaged or destroyed.
In Iran, recent escalation has reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, with children being killed and injured continuing to rise. In Lebanon, renewed hostilities are compounding years of instability, as ongoing airstrikes force families to flee their homes and communities, harm children and place essential services under mounting pressure. In Gaza, continued violence, insecurity, and border restrictions that limit essential supplies from coming in, are having devastating consequences for children’s safety, wellbeing and futures.
The impact is being felt across the wider region. Afghanistan is seeing an influx of Afghans returning from Iran, distressed and uncertain about what lies ahead as they return to a country they once fled. Across Gulf countries, continued airstrikes and military activity are fuelling fear and psychological distress for children, disrupting daily routines, access to school and essential services, and putting their wellbeing at risk.
Every child must be protected, no matter who they are or where they live.
Middle East Crisis
Children’s lives are at risk as violence escalates across the Middle East. Donate today to help children impacted by crises.
How is UNICEF helping children in Iran, Lebanon and across the Middle East?
UNICEF is on the ground in countries across the Middle East, working alongside our partners to deliver for children in need, and we’re ready to scale up support for children and families affected by compounding crisis, when and where it is needed most.
How will my donation help children in the Middle East?
Even in the face of the escalating crisis, UNICEF continues to work for children and families across every region, including in Lebanon, where needs are immediate and growing.
Here's how you can help:
- $100 could provide 20,975 water purification tablets, enough to create safe drinking water for 225 children a month.
- $127 could help provide 252 sachets of Plumpy’Nut®, a therapeutic paste, enough for lifesaving treatment for two children with severe malnutrition recover through a full course of treatment.
- $500 could help provide hygiene and dignity kits for seven families, each packed with emergency supplies including soap, water containers, cleaning products and reusable menstrual products.
- 78¢on average, 78 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went directly to helping children in need, including long-term programs, emergency response and community education.
- 22¢on average, 15 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went to essential fundraising costs that helped us generate more impact for children, 7 cents went to admin costs, such as keeping your personal data safe.
How do we use each dollar donated?
Looking for other ways to support children in the Middle East?
Frequently asked questions about the Middle East crisis appeal
The Middle East crisis is a series of overlapping conflicts and humanitarian emergencies affecting countries across the region, including Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iran. Years of war, political instability, violence and economic strain – combined with displacement, food shortages and limited access to basic services – have left millions of families struggling to cope.
Across parts of the Middle East, children are being deeply affected by ongoing conflict, violence and instability. Many families have lost their homes, missing out on education, or struggling to access food, clean water and basic health care. Living amid fear and uncertainty, children are facing growing risks to their safety, wellbeing and futures.
Yes. UNICEF has been working in Iran since the 1950s, supporting children and their families through health, nutrition, education and child protection services, especially during times of crisis.
UNICEF is calling on all parties to show restraint and to protect civilians and the essential services children depend on, including schools and health care facilities. These places must never be attacked, as doing so puts children’s lives, health and futures at risk.
UNICEF is actively assessing the unfolding escalation of conflict in Iran, and across the Middle East, and stands ready to scale up support to affected children and their families.
UNICEF’s existing work across the region supports lifesaving assistance and essential services through nutrition, health, water and hygiene, education, child protection and social protection programs.
Hero image photo credit: In March 2025, Ali, 13, sits inside what was once his school in Lebanon, severely damaged after 13 months of conflict. © UNICEF/UNI753046/Ibarra Sánchez