Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Red Crescent Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Silent humanitarian crises deepen across Lebanon and Iran

Beirut/Tehran/Geneva,26May2026 —Three months since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that multiple silent humanitarian crises are deepening across the region — with long-term consequences for health systems, food security, displacement, and community resilience.While international attention has shifted elsewhere, millions of people continue to face displacement, damaged healthcare systems, disrupted livelihoods, andgrowingchallengesto accessing essential services.Ongoing geopolitical tensions and restrictions affecting regional transportation routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz, continue to hinder humanitarian supply chains and increase the cost of delivering aid. “Behind the headlines, multiple silent crises are deepening with consequences that will last for years,”saidCristhian Cardoza, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “Families are being pushed beyond breaking point — struggling to afford food, medicine, fuel and shelter, while damaged health systems, displacement, and economic pressure continue to drive humanitarian needs higher every day.”Health systems under severe strain in Iran In Iran, the humanitarian consequences of the escalation continue long after the ceasefire. The conflict has seriously disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, including 56 Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS)centresnationwide. For patients living with chronic illnesses, disruptions to healthcare and medical supply chains are becoming life-threatening.Restrictions affecting transport routescontinue to complicate access to critical medicines and equipment.Despite the pressures, IRCS teams have continued large-scale humanitarian operations across the country, including search and rescue, emergency medical care, and psychosocial support services.Food insecurity deepens across LebanonAnother alarming trend is rapidly emerging:nearly onein four people in Lebanon — around 1.24 million people — are now expected to face acute food insecurity between April and August 2026, according toanalysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The deterioration is being driven by continued hostilities,prolongeddisplacement, economic collapse, and soaring fuel prices. Fuel prices in Lebanon have risen sharply since the escalation, withdiesel increasing by more than65 per cent, according tothe World FoodProgramme.At the same time,the Minister of Agriculture has warnedthatapproximately 22 per cent ofagricultural land in affected areas has been damaged, further undermining food production and livelihoods. Over1 million peoplein thecountryare currently displaced, with manypeople,especiallyfromthesouth,unable to return home due to ongoing hostilities and destroyedinfrastructure,nowliving in tents following the intense recent hostilities. Protectionconcerns and funding gapthreaten humanitarian responseThe IFRC also reiterated urgent concerns over attacks affecting healthcare workers, ambulances, and humanitarian responders.In Iran and Lebanon combined,sixRed Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been killed while carrying out humanitarian worksince the recent escalation. “Our teams on the ground are clear - what they need above all else is protection,”saidMrCardoza.“These brave staff and volunteers should not have tofear for their lives when they get an emergency call and travel in theirambulances.“Hospitals, ambulances, medical personnel and humanitarian workers mustbe respected and protected.”The IFRC warned that severe funding shortfalls are threatening the continuity of humanitarian operations across the region.“Behind these numbers are real consequences,”continuedMrCardoza.“Operations may need to be scaled back, supplies delayed or cut, and there will be people we cannot reach.”The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal for Iran is currently only four per cent funded, while the Lebanon appealremainsunder 14 per cent funded.The IFRC called on donors and the international community to provide sustained and flexible funding to support emergency operations, recovery efforts, and longer-term humanitarian needs across the region.Spokespeople are available in Beirut,Tehranand Geneva.For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Geneva:Tommaso DellaLonga,+41 79 708 4367Matthew Carter, +44 7557 802463In Beirut:Mey El Sayegh, +961 03 229 352

Technological hazards: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, technological hazards.

Pandemics and epidemics: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, pandemics and epidemics.

Earthquakes: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, earthquakes.

Volcanoes: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, volcanic eruptions.

Tsunamis: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, tsunamis.

Heat waves: Key messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, heat waves.

Extreme cold: Key messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, extreme cold.

Hailstorms: Key Messages

Key hazard-specific messages for individuals and communities on how to prepare for, and stay safe during, hailstorms.

IFRC deeply saddened following killing of Red Cross volunteers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geneva / Kinshasa, 30 June 2026 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by the killing of two volunteers of the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 16 June 2026 in Kakumba village, Irongo Groupement, Walungu Territory, South Kivu Province.The two volunteers, Byamungu Mugisho Kabuha and Mugisho Mparanya Romain, were carrying out a humanitarian mission linked to the rehabilitation of a water supply system serving communities when they were brutally killed by unidentified armed individuals.At the time of the attack, both volunteers were wearing Red Cross visibility gear, and the motorcycle they were riding was also clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, a universally recognized symbol of neutrality, impartiality and humanitarian assistance.This tragic incident highlights the increasing risks faced by humanitarian personnel, particularly in areas affected by protracted conflict and insecurity. Attacks against aid workers not only violate international humanitarian law, but also severely undermine the delivery of essential services to people in need.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased volunteers, the Red Cross of the DRC, and the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Humanitarian personnel must be protected and respected at all times.The IFRC stands in solidarity with the Red Cross of the DRC and reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting humanitarian efforts to assist communities in eastern DRC. For more information or to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kinshasa: Jean-Michel Ntalemwa: +243 808 804 037In Nairobi: Cate Kamatu: +254 728 815 266In Geneva: Scott Craig: +41 76 370 3575

Climate Action Summit

Climate disasters are accelerating – but the most effective solutions are often led locally. The Climate Action Summit, taking place on 16 September 2026 and hosted by the IFRC and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre, will bring together global leaders, community voices, and climate innovators to explore how locally led action can help the world get ahead of climate disasters. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, the IFRC works in communities facing climate impacts every day. This summit will spotlight the solutions already emerging locally and the partnerships needed to scale them globally.

Health and care

Everyone, everywhere should have access to the health services they need, including during emergencies. Our 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reach millions of people every year with a wide range of health and care services, improving health and well-being for all.

In memoriam

When crisis strikes, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers are often the first on the scene. As they endeavor to protect the lives of others, however, they face great risks. Too often, they make the ultimate sacrifice. In 2025, 27 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff members and volunteers lost their lives in the line of duty. On this page, we pay homage to their service and their sacrifice — and we demand once again that the physical and mental well-being of all humanitarian workers is fully cared for and protected.