Rescue workers search through the rubble after Israel's overnight bombing of Beirut's southern suburbs.
Xinhua/Shutterstock
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Escalating conflict in the Middle East is creating a massive humanitarian crisis. The consequences of the unlawful attacks by the United States and Israel and retaliatory strikes by Iran are being borne by people across the region, including families, forcibly displaced communities, and most acutely by women and children. Vulnerable communities, already bearing the brunt of ongoing conflicts, will face the most severe effects of the war. The conflict is forcing more people to flee, and will deepen poverty as economies contract and inequality gaps grow.
Oxfam and our partners are already responding to meet the needs of people in Lebanon, where tens of thousands of people have been displaced. We are working in collective shelters to provide hygiene kits, bedding, and water and sanitation.
We are also closely monitoring the evolving situation across the Middle East and assessing its impacts on civilians, frontline staff, our partners, and programs. Oxfam and the partners we work with across the Middle East will be ready to respond as needs increase across the region.