Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in the Near East

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Dominique de Villepin Calls Gaza situation a ‘Genocide,’ Urges Action

Paris, France – Former Prime Minister of France, dominique de Villepin, has issued a powerful statement condemning the unfolding events in Gaza. In a platform published today in Le monde, de Villepin asserted that “We have an absolute moral duty to oppose this deadly madness in Gaza.”

de Villepin emphasized the need to “call things by name,” stating unequivocally that what is occurring in Gaza “is indeed a genocide.” He noted that “All forms of death accumulate there.”

The former Prime Minister outlined a multi-faceted approach to address the crisis.This includes the urgent routing of humanitarian aid.

He believes this aid should be facilitated through legitimate armed intervention.The motivation,he stressed,is the international duty to protect civilian populations.

Furthermore, de Villepin called for Gaza to be opened to journalists globally. This, he argued, is essential as “more than ever, we have the right and the duty to

What percentage of the population in Yemen currently requires humanitarian assistance?

Escalating Conflicts & Displacement

The Near East is facing a dramatically worsening humanitarian crisis, fueled by protracted conflicts, economic instability, and increasingly severe climate change impacts. Multiple overlapping emergencies – including the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and now escalating tensions in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories – are creating a complex web of suffering. Displacement remains a central feature of this crisis, wiht millions forced too flee their homes, both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries.

syria: Over a decade of civil war has left an estimated 6.8 million Syrians internally displaced and over 5.6 million refugees registered across the region (UNHCR data, July 2025). Access to essential services like healthcare and education remains severely limited.

Yemen: The conflict in Yemen continues to drive a catastrophic humanitarian situation. Approximately 80% of the population – over 26 million people – require humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity and lack of access to clean water are major concerns.

Lebanon: The economic collapse in Lebanon, compounded by the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion and regional instability, has pushed a significant portion of the population into poverty. The Syrian refugee population adds further strain on already limited resources.

Palestinian Territories: Ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities are severely constrained.

The Food Security Crisis: A Looming Threat

Food insecurity is a critical component of the Near east humanitarian crisis. Rising food prices, driven by global economic factors and localized conflict disruptions, are making it increasingly arduous for families to afford basic necessities.

1. Drivers of Food Insecurity:

Conflict-related disruptions to agricultural production and supply chains.

Climate change impacts, including droughts and water scarcity.

Economic instability and currency devaluation.

Limited access to markets and humanitarian assistance.

1. Vulnerable Populations: Children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to malnutrition. The World Food program (WFP) estimates that millions are facing acute food insecurity across the region.
2. Long-Term Consequences: Chronic malnutrition can have devastating long-term consequences for physical and cognitive development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.

Healthcare Systems Under Strain

Healthcare infrastructure in many parts of the Near East has been decimated by conflict and economic hardship. Hospitals and clinics are often damaged or destroyed, and medical supplies are scarce.

Limited Access to Care: Millions lack access to basic healthcare services, including maternal and child health care, vaccinations, and treatment for chronic diseases.

Disease Outbreaks: Overcrowding in displacement camps and poor sanitation conditions increase the risk of disease outbreaks, such as cholera and measles.

Mental Health Crisis: the psychological toll of conflict and displacement is immense, leading to a widespread mental health crisis.access to mental health services is severely limited.

The Role of Climate Change

Climate change is acting as a “threat multiplier” in the Near East, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and contributing to the humanitarian crisis.

Water Scarcity

The region is already one of the most water-stressed in the world. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe droughts, reducing water availability for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation. This scarcity fuels conflict over resources and contributes to displacement.

Extreme Weather Events

Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, are disrupting livelihoods and damaging infrastructure. These events disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

Desertification & Land Degradation

Desertification and land degradation are reducing agricultural productivity and contributing to food insecurity.

Humanitarian Response & Challenges

Numerous international organizations and local NGOs are working to provide humanitarian assistance in the Near East. though, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming, and access to affected populations is frequently enough restricted.

Funding Gaps: Humanitarian appeals are consistently underfunded, hindering the ability of organizations to meet the growing needs.

Access Constraints: Conflict and political obstacles often prevent humanitarian workers from reaching those most in need.

Security Risks: Humanitarian workers face significant security risks in many parts of the region.

Coordination Challenges: Effective coordination among humanitarian actors is essential to avoid duplication of effort and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. ReliefWeb (https://reliefweb.int/jobs) is a key resource for finding roles within the humanitarian sector.

Case Study: The Impact on Syrian Refugees in Jordan

Jordan hosts over 660,000 registered Syrian refugees (UNHCR, July 2025). While Jordan has shown remarkable generosity in hosting refugees, the influx has placed a significant strain on its resources. Many Syrian refugees live in poverty, struggling to access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Organizations like the UNHCR and local NGOs are working to provide assistance, but the needs are immense. The long-term integration of Syrian refugees into Jordanian society remains a major challenge.

Practical Tips for supporting Humanitarian Efforts

Donate to reputable organizations: research organizations carefully to ensure that your donation will be used effectively.

Advocate for increased humanitarian funding: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support increased funding for humanitarian assistance.

Raise awareness: Share facts about the crisis with your friends and family.

* Support local initiatives: Look for opportunities to support local organizations working to help those affected by the crisis.