- More than 500,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon as the Middle East crisis escalates into its second week. Across the region, thousands of children and families face imminent violence and an increasing risk of death, displacement, trauma and injury.
- Children are bearing the brunt of this conflict, with more than half of the 200 million children in the region living in a conflict-affected setting. Before the current escalation, 1.4 million children in Lebanon were already at risk, including nearly 420,000 school-aged children out of school. More than 80% of collective shelters are now hosted in school buildings, further disrupting education.
- Shelters across Lebanon are overwhelmed, with 89% at full capacity. Thousands of people are being displaced every hour. Around 70,000 Syrians have also crossed the border from Lebanon, adding pressure to an already dire humanitarian situation. Civilian crossings from Iran into Türkiye and Armenia remain restricted.
- World Vision Lebanon has reached over 75,000 conflict-affected people, including 26,473 children, but urgently needs funding to sustain its 30-day emergency response. Teams are working around the clock to provide emergency food, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and child protection services, but without immediate additional funding, operations can only continue for a limited number of days.
WORLD VISION SPOKESPEOPLE AVAILABLE IN LEBANON AND ACROSS THE REGION. WORLD VISION AUSTRALIA CEO GRANT BAYLDON ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.
For queries and media requests, please contact: Domi Gonzales at Domi.gonzales@worldvision.com.au or 0413 788 380
Notes for editors as at 10 March 2026, 4:00PM AEDT:
- The current crisis was triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran beginning 28 February. Iran has responded with counterstrikes across the region, including against Gulf states housing US military assets. Hezbollah entered the conflict on 2 March, launching projectiles into Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
- World Vision has maintained a presence in Lebanon and the Middle East since the 1970s. All staff are accounted for. International visitors have been evacuated from affected countries.
- Australians can support World Vision’s Middle East Crisis appeal at worldvision.com.au.
About us:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families' economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Contact details:
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Domi Gonzales at Domi.gonzales@worldvision.com.au or 0413 788 380
