Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 19, 2026 Peace and security
Heavy airstrikes, which have been ongoing since February 28, have caused numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Iran in at least 20 provinces, including Tehran, Isfahan and Kermanshah, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
Since the beginning of the war, more than 1,200 people have died and over 17,000 have been wounded.
Millions of people have fled the affected areas. An estimated 3.2 million people are internally displaced.
Residential buildings, schools, medical facilities, and cultural heritage sites have been hit. Humanitarian organizations warn that as the crisis deepens, the need for shelter and humanitarian aid is rapidly increasing.
125,000 people fled Lebanon to Syria.
Meanwhile, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 125,000 people have fled Lebanon to Syria. Most of them are Syrian citizens, along with approximately 7,000 Lebanese.
The organization also notes that half of all refugees are children.
IOM warned that many families are arriving with minimal or no resources and called on the international community to urgently provide assistance to those arriving in Syria.
Key destinations are already under severe strain, and a further influx of refugees could pose a significant challenge to host communities.
Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf
Two new incidents involving vessels were reported today in waters off the coast of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
At the same time, gas prices rose sharply on Thursday following an attack, allegedly carried out by Iran, on Ras Laffan, Qatar's largest energy complex. This was in response to Israel's strike on the South Pars gas field in Tehran the day before.
In one incident, a vessel east of Ras Laffan was struck, but the crew was reportedly unharmed. In another, a ship east of Khor Fakkan caught fire after being struck by a shell, according to the UK Merchant Marine Administration.
Since the escalation began on February 28, 22 incidents have been recorded in the region, 16 of which have been classified as attacks. Ship crews are advised to exercise increased caution.
The UN Maritime Agency resumed its emergency session.
The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resumed its extraordinary session on risks to shipping and seafarers in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Opening the meeting on Wednesday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed grave concern over attacks on merchant ships that have killed and injured seafarers, and warned that some 20,000 crew members remain at risk.
He stressed that "any attack on peaceful seafarers or civilian vessels is completely unacceptable" and called for de-escalation and safe passage for the crews.
Delegates are expected to continue their discussions on practical measures to ensure maritime safety and the protection of seafarers and the marine environment.
Rafah Crossing reopens for medical evacuations
In Gaza, the Rafah crossing has reopened for medical evacuations of patients leaving the enclave for treatment. However, the number of those allowed in and out is limited.
The UNHCR notes that the scale of the evacuation should be significantly broader.
"As we have stated previously, the opening of the crossings must be meaningful," said Olga Cherevko, a representative of the Directorate, calling for the provision of both the movement of people and the delivery of humanitarian and commercial goods.
She warned that the situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe restrictions making it difficult to provide aid to the population.
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