MIDDLE EAST
Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)
The humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) has reached catastrophic
levels, driven by ongoing conflict, widespread destruction, and severe food insecurity. Since the
escalation in October 2023, Gaza has experienced unprecedented violence, with more than
44,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 2 million displaced. The destruction of infrastructure—
including homes, hospitals, schools, and water systems—has left the population with no access
to basic services. As of 2025, 1.9 million people in Gaza are facing crisis or worse levels of food
insecurity, and over 345,000 are experiencing catastrophic hunger, with deaths from starvation
occurring daily.
The West Bank has also seen record violence, as Israeli military operations and settler violence
escalate. Over 700 Palestinians have been killed, and many more suffer from severe restrictions
on movement, economic hardship, and violence. The humanitarian system in Gaza has collapsed,
with most hospitals no longer operational, leaving civilians without essential healthcare. Despite
these challenges, The Helpers International remains committed to providing vital humanitarian
aid, focusing on food security, healthcare, and sanitation recovery. Your support enables us to
continue our work in Gaza and the West Bank, delivering crucial assistance to civilians affected
by the ongoing violence and dire conditions.
Lebanon
Lebanon is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between
Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated in late 2024. The violence has displaced over 1.4 million
people, with more than 870,000 remaining in Lebanon and 510,000 fleeing to Syria. This
conflict, combined with Lebanon’s prolonged economic collapse, has left millions in desperate
need of assistance. Prior to the escalation, nearly 25% of Lebanon’s population was already
facing food insecurity, with 80% living in poverty. The war has further crippled the country’s
already fragile healthcare system, with attacks on medical facilities, which have caused the
closure of many hospitals and left civilians vulnerable to preventable diseases, including cholera.
The Helpers International is working to provide critical support to those affected by the conflict,
offering shelter, healthcare, food, and essential supplies to displaced populations. While a fragile
ceasefire offers temporary relief, the ongoing risks of further conflict and the compounded
economic collapse mean that the humanitarian needs in Lebanon will continue to grow. Your
support is vital in helping us deliver aid to those in dire need and to assist Lebanon’s most
vulnerable communities in their recovery.
Syria
The crisis in Syria is entering its fourteenth year, with 16.7 million people in urgent need of
humanitarian assistance and protection. The situation remains one of the most significant
displacement crises in the world, with projections for 2025 indicating that 7.2 million Syrians
will be internally displaced and 6.2 million will seek refuge in neighboring countries such as
Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. The ongoing conflict, compounded by limited
resources and a lack of a peaceful resolution, has left Syrians facing immense challenges,
including the destruction of infrastructure, loss of livelihoods, and growing insecurity.
Humanitarian agencies continue to provide critical support, including legal aid, cash assistance,
relief items, and protection services, while also focusing on the recovery and resilience of
affected communities.
Despite these efforts, the outlook for 2025 remains concerning, with many refugees in host
countries facing difficulties such as lack of employment opportunities, restrictive policies, and
social tensions. More than 34,000 refugees returned to Syria in 2024, but the situation remains
volatile, with many unsure whether to remain or return, particularly after the influx of refugees
from Lebanon. The challenges refugees face are compounded by ongoing threats to their safety,
especially in the face of uncertain security conditions inside Syria. As the UNHCR and its
partners continue to provide aid, including resettlement support, their efforts will focus on
ensuring the sustainability of refugee returns, bolstering the inclusion of refugees in services, and
enhancing the overall resilience of both refugees and host communities in 2025.