The Middle East crisis
The conflict in this region has had devastating consequences. More than 3.3 million people, including 1.7 million children, urgently needed humanitarian aid in 2024. Reports indicate that by December 31, 2024, at least 14,500 children in Gaza had been killed and many more were injured.
More than 1.9 million people have been displaced. Half of them are children, and an estimated 17,000 of them were separated from their families. The destruction of infrastructure, particularly to water systems, has resulted in the spread of polio and other diseases. UNICEF is there on the ground and last year provided emergency medical supplies, vaccinations and psychosocial support. Children in Gaza were examined for malnutrition. A total of 36,254 children were diagnosed with and treated for acute malnutrition. Further assistance included cash transfers, which allowed families to cover the basic costs of living.
In Lebanon, the conflict caused significant damage to the civilian infrastructure and at times resulted in the displacement of 1.2 million people. The situation is precarious. In 2024, UNICEF went to great effort to provide vulnerable children and their families with essential emergency supplies and services, including access to safe water, sanitary facilities and medical care. In 2024, UNICEF also assisted in the return of displaced persons to their homes and offered psychosocial support to children affected by the conflict.
