Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 18, 2026 Peace and security
UN humanitarian agencies and their partners are scaling up their assistance in Lebanon, where ongoing attacks are causing further casualties, destruction and massive displacement.
Lebanon: The number of internally displaced people has exceeded one million.
UN agencies are expanding emergency assistance across Lebanon, providing food, temporary shelter, clean water, medical care and nutrition support to families forced to flee their homes.
According to the latest data, the number of displaced people has exceeded one million, including approximately 367,000 children. People are fleeing their homes amid ongoing attacks, and many are seeking refuge in overcrowded schools and temporary shelters.
Israeli strikes on central Beirut reportedly resulted in further casualties and damage to residential areas, including the collapse of a multi-story building. Medical facilities were also damaged, with medical workers among the wounded.
Thousands of families across the country continue to flee war zones as attacks intensify. Many find themselves in overcrowded shelters with extremely limited access to basic services.
Humanitarian organizations are distributing essential supplies, including hygiene products and shelter, to those affected, while thousands of women and children are receiving specialized nutrition assistance.
Children at risk and calls for de-escalation
The situation of children is particularly concerning. According to UNICEF, they face increased risks to their health, safety, and psychological well-being due to the loss of access to basic services.
On-site provision of medical care, access to clean water, emergency kits and psychosocial support for children who have experienced traumatic events.
Humanitarian organizations are strengthening calls for an urgent de-escalation of the conflict, emphasizing the need to protect civilians, especially children.
Iran: UNICEF expands medical assistance to children
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is stepping up its support for the health system in Iran amid growing needs caused by the ongoing escalation and bombing by the US and Israel.
In coordination with national health authorities, mobile medical teams, primary care tents, and emergency medical kits have been deployed. Additional supplies are already being sent to the country. The aid is expected to reach at least 226,000 people.
UNICEF is also expanding psychosocial support programmes for children affected by the conflict.
Strike near nuclear facility in Iran
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a projectile-based incident destroyed a facility located approximately 350 meters from the Bushehr nuclear power plant reactor. However, the reactor itself was not damaged, and no personnel were injured.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that any attacks near nuclear facilities violate key nuclear safety principles and should not occur under any circumstances.
Education and cultural heritage under threat
UNESCO has announced emergency measures in the region amid escalating violence that is disrupting education systems and threatening cultural heritage sites. According to the organization, the crisis has affected tens of millions of children, with at least 65 schools damaged and many others closed or being used as shelters. In response, efforts are underway to create temporary learning spaces, expand online learning, and provide psychosocial support to students and teachers.
At the same time, measures are being taken to protect cultural sites. There are approximately 125 UNESCO World Heritage sites in 18 Middle Eastern countries. In Lebanon, artifacts are being moved to safe locations, and satellite monitoring is documenting damage.
UNESCO calls on all parties to respect international law and warns that further destruction of education, culture and media systems could have long-term consequences for the stability of the region.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.