Middle East Crisis: Emergency Updates
LAST UPDATE: 10TH MARCH 2026
Our teams in both Iran and Lebanon are currently confirmed safe, and we are monitoring developments and assessing how to provide support to the people affected.
We have medical supplies in both countries ready to be deployed.
What is MSF doing and how can I help?
MSF is alarmed by the dramatic escalation in conflict across the Middle East-wide region, following strikes by US and Israeli forces in Iran and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory actions in several countries. MSF is adapting its programmes to respond, and is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving humanitarian needs.
Across the region, the escalation in violence has brought fear to the lives of millions of people. Bombing continues across multiple cities and villages, often hitting densely populated areas, and casualties are mounting. MSF calls for the protection of civilians, hospitals, health facilities, and other essential infrastructure at all times.
See below for our most up-to-date information on the unfolding situation and MSF's response across the region:
Lebanon: Mass Displacement as Bombardment Intensifies
Since Monday, 2 March, tens of thousands of people in Lebanon thousands have fled their homes following relentless Israeli airstrikes across multiple areas.
Our teams are witnessing large-scale displacement, severe traffic congestion, and families seeking safety with almost no belongings. Civilians - already exhausted by repeated cycles of violence - are once again paying the highest price.
Read latest response from our teams on the ground here.
Iran: Continuing Medical Assistance Amid Rising Tensions
Before 28 February, when the escalation began, MSF had been running three projects in Iran, providing essential healthcare to marginalised people – including 6,000 medical consultations per month, as well as midwifery care, infectious disease screening and treatment, and mental health support.
Although airstrikes have created operational challenges and despite the communication blackout, MSF has so far been able to continue some activities. Receiving information from our staff is, however, extremely difficult.
Our clinic in Tehran remains temporarily closed due to heavy bombing, while our clinics in Mashhad and Kerman are still open, operating with reduced staff.
Our teams are seeking authorisation from authorities to scale up emergency care support in response to conflict-related needs (opening our clinics 24/7 and supporting the local health systems). We are awaiting a response.
Gaza: Massive Scale-Up of Lifesaving Assistance Needed
We continue to call for a massive scale-up of lifesaving assistance and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. We are committed to remaining to provide assistance in Gaza and the West Bank for as long as possible, working under our registration with the Palestinian Authority.
You can read more about our response in Gaza here.
