Escalating violence in the Middle East
Since 13 June 2025, the intensifying conflict in the region has led to devastating strikes between Iran and Israel, killing and injuring many, including children, and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. As the violence continues to escalate, children in the region are experiencing widespread fear and trauma.
UNICEF, together with our partners, is actively assessing the evolving situation and stands ready to scale up support to affected children and their families as needed and requested.
We urgently call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the protection of all children. Every child has the right to live without the threat of war and violence.
We’re responding to the needs of children in the Middle East to ensure they’re healthy, educated and safe from harm.
Rich in ancient cultures and natural resources, the Middle East has played a pivotal role in shaping the world as we know it today. Connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, the region is home to numerous countries, each with its own distinct history, culture, and traditions. In fact, many of the world’s oldest civilisations originated in the Middle East, and it’s also the birthplace of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In recent times, natural disasters, wars, terrorism, and political upheaval have wreaked havoc on the lives of children and their families. Countries like Syria and Yemen continue to endure over a decade of conflict, pushing many communities to the brink. At the same time, the war in Gaza has ignited further tensions in an already fragile region.
UNICEF is supporting children across the Middle East, including
We’re protecting the rights of children across the Middle East
Sadly, the Middle East is home to some countries where children are growing up knowing nothing but war, where girls are being denied a right to education and malnutrition and preventable diseases are having devastating impacts on the lives of children.
UNICEF has been in the Middle East for over 75 years, working with local partners on long-term development programs focusing on healthcare, nutrition, education, child protection and access to clean, safe water. And UNICEF is always there when emergencies strike, delivering immediate lifesaving support when children need it the most, no matter what.
Donate to Children in Emergencies
From Gaza and Lebanon to Yemen and Syria, humanitarian emergencies are unfolding across the Middle East. We can't stop crises from happening, but we can ensure that more children survive and thrive. That means being on the ground, delivering lifesaving support during emergencies and being there long after a crisis to help restore vital programs to ensure every child is healthy, educated and safe from harm.
![With his family, Syrian refugee Shadi [NAME CHANGED], 9, has lived with a host family for nine months, in North Lebanon.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/99f113b4-e5f7-00d2-23c0-c83ca2e4cfa2/01664d5f-21f4-49bf-9a09-2d56b3fe8d7b/UNI638343.jpg?w=500&fm=jpg&auto=format)
