UN declares Middle East crisis major humanitarian emergency

The United Nations refugee agency has declared the ongoing crisis in the Middle East a major humanitarian emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated regional response, France 24 reports.

“UNHCR has declared the escalating crisis in the Middle East as a major humanitarian emergency requiring an immediate response across the region,” said Ayaki Ito, the agency’s emergency chief and cross-regional refugee coordinator, speaking to reporters in Geneva.

The announcement underlines growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, including displacement, threats to civilian safety, and strain on local and international aid resources. The agency called for swift action to address urgent needs and prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Aid organizations and governments across the region are being urged to mobilize resources rapidly to assist affected populations and mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the escalating crisis.

By Vafa Guliyeva