UN Refugee Agency Reports Over 330000 Displaced as Middle East Violence Escalates
GENEVA — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Thursday that escalating violence across the Middle East has forced more than 330,000 people to flee their homes, most of them remaining displaced within their own countries.
The agency warned that growing hostilities across the region have triggered significant population movements and raised urgent humanitarian concerns.
Displacement spreads across several regions
UNHCR reported that recent clashes along the Afghanistan Pakistan border have forced thousands of families to leave their homes and search for safety.
As tensions continue, the agency urged all parties involved in the conflict to reduce violence and engage in dialogue.
Officials stressed that de-escalation remains critical to prevent further displacement and protect civilians.
Situation in Iran closely monitored
In Iran, which hosts around 1.65 million refugees, mostly from Afghanistan, authorities reported large movements within the country after recent military strikes.
According to UNHCR estimates, roughly 100,000 residents left Tehran during the first two days following attacks carried out by Israel and the United States last Saturday.
However, the agency noted that the situation has not yet led to a major rise in cross-border migration from Iran.
Lebanon and Syria see population movements
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation has also worsened in Lebanon. Government data cited by UNHCR shows that more than 84,000 people have taken shelter in nearly 400 collective sites across the country.
At the same time, over 30,000 people—mainly Syrians along with some Lebanese—have crossed into Syria since the latest escalation linked to Israel.
Tensions persist in Afghanistan and Pakistan
UNHCR also highlighted continuing instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Ongoing clashes have caused internal displacement in both countries.
The agency estimates that around 115,000 people have been displaced within Afghanistan, while roughly 3,000 people have fled their homes in Pakistan.
Call for safe passage for civilians
Given the worsening humanitarian situation, UNHCR urged all parties to ensure safe movement for civilians seeking protection.
The agency emphasized that people forced to flee violence must have safe passage, especially when they need to cross borders to reach safety.
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