The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran has led to severe humanitarian crises, both in the Middle East and globally. As of early March 2026, up to 3.2 million people have been temporarily displaced in Iran, while over 300,000 people in Lebanon are also facing displacement. Shelters in Lebanon are overcrowded as families flee escalating violence, and in conflict zones like Sudan and Myanmar, oil market shocks caused by the war are driving up costs for humanitarian programs that provide essential aid.
Logistical operations have been severely impacted, with Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, a key global disaster aid hub, facing operational delays due to fires at the Jebel Ali port caused by debris from an Iranian missile interception. This has led to increased shipping costs and disruptions, directly affecting global food and medicine supply chains. In addition to these logistical bottlenecks, the war is triggering three major market shocks—currency depreciation, fertilizer disruptions, and skyrocketing oil prices—that further exacerbate humanitarian efforts. The cost of living, particularly for basic food items, is rising dramatically, hitting the world’s most vulnerable populations hardest.
The displacement crisis is spreading rapidly. In Lebanon, the displacement of over 700,000 people is a direct consequence of Israeli military actions, and fears of a similar refugee outflow from Iran are mounting. There is concern that a large-scale refugee crisis could emerge if Iran’s situation deteriorates further, potentially rivaling the Syrian crisis. While UNHCR is already operating in Iran, it is facing challenges due to a significant reduction in U.S. funding and staff at the State Department.
In Gaza, the humanitarian situation has worsened, with medical evacuations halted and aid stocks depleted. As Israel has closed several border crossings, including Rafah, the already dire humanitarian conditions have been further compounded by an inability to deliver essential aid. Amidst these challenges, the need for the U.S. government to release appropriated humanitarian funding, particularly for agencies like the WFP and UNHCR, is urgent. The funds, although insufficient for the scale of the crisis, represent a necessary step to mitigate the impact on millions of people facing extreme hardship.
Humanitarian workers are anxiously waiting for a response from the U.S. government, as the situation continues to worsen, and the need for urgent funding and international support becomes even more pressing.
