The crisis in the Middle East is directly impacting millions of lives and causing uncertainty across the world. What is it like for people on the ground living through this emergency? How are people surviving?
War in the Middle East
War in the Middle East
Please note that this is a rapidly evolving situation.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is working in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and across the Middle East.
Latest updates
What is happening?
In late February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a sustained campaign of strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks that spread across the wider region. In early March, hostilities expanded to Lebanon. Millions of civilians across the region were killed, injured and displaced, with essential services severely disrupted.
Temporary ceasefires were reached in Iran and Lebanon in April, but they are fragile. Civilians cannot afford yet another ceasefire collapsing into a new round of bloodshed.
This page contains NRC's latest updates on the crisis.
What NRC is doing:
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In Iran, we have scaled up life-saving support to families whose lives have been devastated by the war. More than 4,000 families have received cash assistance, with verification ongoing for thousands more. We are providing psychosocial support to children, parents and teachers across five provinces. We have also set up temporary learning spaces, delivered non-formal classes and education cash assistance, and repaired damaged schools.
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In Lebanon, we are supporting people with relief items, hygiene kits, fuel, drinking and domestic water and cash. We are also providing legal support and education activities for children. We prioritise those most in need, regardless of nationality, status, or location.
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We are speaking up for protection of civilians and and urging the international community to fund humanitarian assistance for people affected by the war.