The Human Toll of a Year of Relentless and Now Spiraling Conflict in the Middle East

The Middle East is on the precipice of unprecedented humanitarian chaos and anguish after two weeks of fast escalating violence that shows no signs of abating. The intense escalation of conflict between Israel, Hezbollah and now Iran comes nearly one year since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,100 people. The resulting and fast intensifying war has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians and now more than 1,600 people in Lebanon, destroyed generations of families and communities, forced millions from their homes, and unleashed massive and foreboding humanitarian consequences for civilians across the region. 

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, says:  

“A year of suffering has reached an unimaginable level of despair that is now worsening by the minute. Palestinians continue to die daily from bombs, bullets, starvation, and disease while Israelis also mourn their lost loved ones and wait for the return of those who continue to be held hostage. The expanded new front of war in Lebanon is already having a catastrophic impact on civilians as tens of thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes over the last week with what little they could carry. What we’re seeing unfold across the region is a rapidly spreading wildfire, the flames intensifying by the hour. 

“Gaza today is unrecognizable. Virtually no life-sustaining infrastructure remains intact and famine looms. More than two million people are struggling to survive in inhumane conditions, displaced multiple times and unable to access clean water or food for months on end. Malnutrition rates among children have soared and educational opportunities have come to a stop, threatening the future of an entire generation. Aid organizations continue to be stymied at every turn as we try to save lives and safely deliver aid to and within Gaza. It is without a doubt one of the most challenging humanitarian contexts we’ve ever seen. The humanitarian community has lost more than 280 aid workers in Gaza, the highest number in any conflict in the past 20 years.   

“In Lebanon, entire communities are being torn apart and Lebanese authorities estimate that up to a million people are now displaced. Many are now sheltering in schools and municipal buildings, and lack necessities like clean water, food, and medical care. Some of our own team members are also displaced; those who remain in their homes report living in constant fear as indiscriminate airstrikes hit various areas across Lebanon. Humanitarian needs are growing more dire by the day, and the violence is creating ever greater challenges as we look to reach communities with urgently needed assistance.  

“World leaders should be appalled that we have arrived at this apocalyptic level of chaos, conflict, and misery. All those with influence and power must take urgent action: to de-escalate and halt the unrelenting violence across the region; to do everything possible to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire; to release the hostages to their families; to restore life-sustaining services to Gaza; and to facilitate safe, sustained access to aid for millions trapped or on the move. Any hope for peace in the region depends on it." 

Since October 2023, Mercy Corps has provided support to over 180,000 people in Gaza, including emergency cash, food and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for young people and their caregivers through wellbeing sessions, mentoring workshops, and youth sports activities. In Lebanon, Mercy Corps has distributed essential items including hot meals, food baskets, and hygiene kits to meet the urgent needs of displaced families in 44 villages in Lebanon’s South and Nabatieh governorates. With local partners, Mercy Corps has also engaged displaced and host community members in projects aimed at reducing social tensions and alleviating the economic impact of displacement on affected communities. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to persevering in our efforts to provide life-saving assistance now and to help rebuild lives and communities when a ceasefire is reached. 

For more information, please contact: 

• Milena Murr, Middle East Media & Communications Manager (based in Beirut), at mmurr@mercycorps.org 
• Natalie Fath, Director of Communications (based on the East Coast, U.S.), at nfath@mercycorps.org