More than 4.1 million people across several Middle Eastern countries have been forced from their homes since the start of the latest military escalation, the United Nations warned Thursday, citing rapidly growing humanitarian needs.
Highlighting that "the region is home to some of the largest numbers of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference that "more than 4.1 million people have been internally displaced in Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon and Pakistan since the beginning of the escalation."
"Additionally, some 117,000 people have sought refuge in another country," he said. "The recent escalation risks deepening civilian suffering and causing further damage to already fragile civilian infrastructure."
He stressed that the U.N. and its partners continue efforts to provide aid to those affected.
In Lebanon, Dujarric said that "the situation remains highly volatile" and "humanitarian needs are growing by the day."
