March 23, 2026
News
Since the beginning of March, the situation in the Middle East has continued to worsen significantly. Attacks and increasing insecurity have forced over 4 million people to flee their homes. Caritas Czech Republic is part of the global Caritas network, which supports people in crises and natural disasters. Therefore, we are taking action to provide immediate help. We are allocating 10,000 euros from the Three Kings Collection crisis fund to support Caritas Lebanon. Our sister organisation has operated in the country for a long time and understands local conditions well. If you wish to assist those who have lost their homes in a matter of days, you may contribute to the Caritas for the Middle East fundraising campaign.
The international conflict sparked at the end of February by American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran has affected civilians throughout the entire region, and the economic repercussions are being felt worldwide.
In Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have fled in recent days. By 18 March 2026, 140,000 of them had crossed the border into Syria. Overall, the number of internally displaced persons has surpassed 1 million. Many families carry only the essentials and seek temporary shelters in provisional centres or overcrowded camps. Imran Riza, the UN’s top aid official in Lebanon, estimates that 70% of refugees remain without shelter. By 17 March 2026, only 132,700 people were staying in 622 temporary accommodation centres.
Another issue is the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid. According to the World Food Programme’s Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, transport times are lengthening while prices continue to rise. If the conflict persists, by June, there may not be enough food for 45 million people, warns Skau. Humanitarian deliveries are also being hindered by attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.
Supply deliveries have come to a halt again in Gaza, where the border crossings were closed. On March 19, 2026, only the southern crossing Kerem Shalom remains open, through which humanitarian and commercial deliveries get to Gaza, as reported by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. According to available information, Israel has announced the resumption of limited medical evacuations and returns through the Rafah crossing, yet thousands are still waiting to be evacuated or to leave. Despite the ceasefire, airstrikes on Gaza continue. The crisis was further aggravated last weekend by a strong dust storm that damaged shelters in the tent camps.
This is why the need for immediate humanitarian aid continues to grow.
“Today, people in the Middle East need more than just our attention. They need specific, concrete, and immediate support. Through our partners, we can deliver this help directly to families who have been forced to flee their homes,” says Hana Štindl Vitnerová, the Head of the Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation at Caritas Czech Republic.
We will donate 10,000 euros in emergency funding to Caritas Lebanon, which assisted 114,000 people in just the first half of March. The organisation is ensuring emergency accommodation, basic necessities and medical care for people on the run. It has, for example, distributed more than 66,000 hot meals and provided hygiene kits as well as packages with clothes for both children and adults. It also manages the distribution of drinking water. Funds from the Caritas for the Middle East fundraising campaign will be used for material assistance and other essential support to people across the Middle East region.
You can support the fundraising campaign through:
- a bank transfer – IBAN: CZ97 0800 0000 0000 55660022, SWIFT / BIC: GIBACZPX, Ref No. 101040
- an online donation via the Caritas website
The whole region is currently hosting tens of millions of displaced people. Humanitarian organisations, including Caritas, are therefore urging all parties of the conflict to protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, comply with international humanitarian law, and refrain from attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation. Violating it has direct and devastating consequences for the millions of people whose lives are now at risk.
Each donation saves lives. Thank you for helping together with us.
