March 9, 2026
News
The security situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate. Millions of local residents live in uncertainty and danger; they face forced displacement and lack basic necessities. Caritas Czech Republic operates in Syria and Gaza, where we monitor developments. Previously, we helped address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, in collaboration with Caritas Lebanon. We remain in contact with our sister organisation and are prepared to respond if needed. At the same time, as a humanitarian organisation, we urge all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to de-escalate immediately and to protect all civilians without exception.
The refugee crisis in the region
Across the entire Middle East, the refugee crisis worsens. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warns that the current escalation affects countries that have already hosted millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, mainly Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, and Lebanon. For example, Iran hosts about 1.65 million people, while Afghanistan faces the return of individuals who were previously displaced to neighbouring countries. Other nations in the region have also been managing this complex refugee situation for a long time, such as Turkey or Iraq. The whole region is home to 24.6 million internally displaced persons or returnees.
Situation in Lebanon
Lebanon belongs among the countries that face the most serious consequences of the refugee crisis. On Monday, March 2, the Israeli-American attacks on Iran resulted in a rapid escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The intense shelling targeted Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley. Israel subsequently called on residents of southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut to evacuate. Thousands of people fled to schools turned into provisional shelters. According to flash update by the United Nations Population Fund from March 4, 2026, more than 58,000 newly internally displaced persons were registered within two days, while another 65,000 people have remained since the 2024 conflict. According to UNICEF, nearly 60,000 people were newly displaced within the past 24 hours (as of March 6, 2026). The country is also home to refugees who fled the war in neighbouring Syria.
In recent days, however, Syria has been where people from Lebanon have been moving into. Between March 1 and 4, 33,000 Syrians crossed the border, as well as 3,600 Lebanese since March 2. Most of them are families who return with personal belongings. Some of them, though, carry nothing with them. The officials keep the borders open for now.
Situation in Gaza
The escalation has also affected the situation in Gaza, where all border crossings, including Rafah, were closed again a week ago. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the movement of humanitarian staff, medical evacuations, and the return of people to Gaza have all been halted. Because of the complete blockade, people have been cut off from regular deliveries of humanitarian aid, on which they are entirely dependent. Recent events have also led to restrictions on hospital operations and a rise in the prices of basic food items.
Caritas Czech Republic is ready to respond
We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and remain in touch with our local partners. In case of humanitarian assistance, we are ready to respond immediately and provide help where it is needed the most.
The Czech Bishop’s Conference is also proclaiming Friday, 13 March, as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. The Archbishop of Olomouc, Mons. Josef Nuzík, is joining the appeal of Pope Leo XIV and calls on the faithful, parishes, and religious communities to unite in prayer on this day for peace in the Middle East and in other parts of the world affected by conflict.
