Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 4, 2026 Peace and security
A new wave of violence in the Middle East continues for the fifth day. US and Israeli strikes on Iran have been reported, as have missile and drone attacks by Iran in several countries in the region. The intensifying standoff has raised concerns about further escalation.
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemned the attacks on Iran carried out by Israel and the United States. In their statement, the experts reminded all parties of the need to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to protect civilians.
The mission also expressed deep concern at reports that schools in Iran have been hit, including attack on a school in the city of Minab, where more than 150 students and teachers were reported killed.
Experts also expressed grave concern over Iran's retaliatory strikes on neighboring countries, warning that they are causing civilian deaths and destruction of civilian infrastructure throughout the region. They warned that further military escalation could lead to further casualties both in Iran and throughout the region, and called for an immediate end to the attacks.
Attacks on medical facilities
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East is increasingly straining health services. He expressed regret over the reports of the death of three medical workers and the injury of six others during rescue efforts following explosions in the city of Tyre, Lebanon.
According to the WHO, medical facilities in Iran have also been damaged by the fighting. Explosions near Motahari Hospital in Tehran on March 1 reportedly damaged part of the building, forcing the evacuation of patients and staff. Gandhi Hospital was also damaged. Additionally, according to the WHO, two emergency medical centers in the cities of Sarab and Hamedan were damaged, injuring at least two medical workers.
The WHO emphasized that healthcare facilities must always be protected, especially during crises when medical care is most needed.
Flow of refugees from Lebanon
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 11,000 people fled Lebanon on Monday amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions. This is significantly higher than the daily average.
Most of the arrivals are Syrian families, although Lebanese citizens are also among those crossing the border. UNHCR staff are working at border crossings, and humanitarian aid supplies have been pre-positioned in Syria in case of increased numbers of arrivals.
Children are among the main victims
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed deep alarm over the escalating violence in the Middle East and its grave consequences for children. The experts stated that they were "deeply shocked" by the loss of innocent lives. They called for an immediate ceasefire and safe humanitarian access.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also warned that children are increasingly becoming victims of violence in Lebanon. According to the country's Ministry of Health, new airstrikes killed seven children and injured 38 in the past 24 hours. The fighting has also led to mass displacement: nearly 60,000 people, including 18,000 children, were forced to flee their homes in just one day.
UNICEF says it is scaling up emergency assistance, including medical services, psychosocial support and essential supplies, for families sheltering in overcrowded shelters.
Nuclear risks
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it had seen no damage to sites in Iran containing nuclear material following the recent strikes and that there was currently "no risk of radiological release."
Citing an analysis of recent satellite images, the agency reported damage to two buildings near the nuclear facility in Isfahan. However, no new damage was detected at the Natanz facility, other than the previously reported destruction of the entrance structures. No damage was also recorded at other nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi once again called on the parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a radiological incident.
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.