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
On 28 February 2026, airstrikes in Iran prompted retaliatory action, with the conflict affecting multiple countries in the region. On 2 March, the hostilities expanded to Lebanon, ending the 2024 ceasefire and leading to mass forced displacement. Civilian deaths and injuries have been reported across the countries impacted by the conflict, as well as significant disruptions to essential services.
On 7 April, a two-week ceasefire was agreed, leading to an end to attacks on Iran. However, strikes on Lebanon have continued, and on 8 April, 250 people were killed in just 10 minutes. In total, 2,100 people have been killed in Lebanon since the beginning of March and at least a million people have been forced from their homes.
In Iran, NRC is scaling up life-saving support to families whose lives have been devastated by the war. We have been providing cash, water, sanitation support, emergency shelter and education, as well as trauma care for women and children.
In Lebanon, NRC is providing urgent relief for people living in collective shelters. Our teams are distributing emergency supplies, hygiene materials, clean water, and providing education services.