The conflict in the Middle East has intensified in recent weeks, putting communities across the region at growing risk.

Much of the harm has been caused by explosive weapons used in populated areas – artillery shells, aerial bombs, and rockets that are inherently indiscriminate in their impact.

As in every war, civilians are paying the highest price.

In countries where MAG works, communities are facing rising casualties, displacement, and disruption to daily life.

In Lebanon alone, as of March 11, almost 760,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, and hundreds have been killed or injured in the bombardments.

As the conflict continues, civilians will be increasingly exposed to explosive hazards, from unexploded bombs to missile debris, creating new dangers for communities already living with the long-term legacy of war.

For affected communities, safe returns are only possible when land has been cleared, and people have the information they need to protect themselves from explosive items. 

MAG teams are ready to provide that support and are prepared to deploy as soon as conditions allow.

Hear from our teams on the ground...

“The situation here changes every day. Many families – including our colleagues – have already left their homes in the south and moved north for the second time in two years. 

"Among them are colleagues who have lost their loved ones or lost their homes entirely. Evacuation orders and ongoing strikes are forcing people to leave with little warning. 

"Many are finding shelter wherever they can – in schools, cars, parks or even on the streets – as they try to stay safe.

“In times like these, the danger isn’t only from the airstrikes themselves. 

"Unexploded bombs and debris left behind can continue to harm families returning home, farmers in their fields, and children in their own neighbourhoods long after the fighting has ended. 

"That’s why it’s so important for our teams to begin work as soon as it is safe – clearing land, removing hazards, and helping communities return home safely so they can rebuild their lives.”

“Thousands of families have crossed from Lebanon to Syria for safety. 

"But Syria itself is facing a landmine emergency after nearly 15 years of conflict.

“For families who are newly displaced and unfamiliar with the area, the danger can be even greater. They may not know which roads or buildings are safe. 

"That’s why risk education is so important, helping people recognise the signs of explosive hazards and avoid them can save lives.”

“In Erbil, people hear drones and interceptions in the sky more often now. Even when something is intercepted, there is always fear about where the debris might fall – on neighbourhoods, farmland, or roads where people are going about their daily lives.

“Iraq has already endured the legacy of many wars. Communities are still living with unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, and this new escalation risks adding more hazards to places where civilians live and work.”

“For people in Gaza, constant bombardments and the impacts of war have been part of daily life for more than two years. 

"Communities are surrounded by destruction, and the risk from unexploded bombs and debris is everywhere.

“Even in these extremely difficult conditions, we continue to run risk education sessions whenever we can. These sessions teach people – especially children who are at the highest risk of injury due to their natural curiosity – how to respond safely if they encounter unexploded ordnance. 

“Our operations in the West Bank were paused for several days but have restarted. The escalation added new contamination and caused injuries, heightening the need for urgent risk education and engagement with affected communities.  

“The situation in OPT highlights just how critical it is for risk education to begin as soon as conditions allow elsewhere.”

Najat, MAG's Middle East Regional Director, said: 

“Across the region, civilians are facing both the immediate dangers of conflict and the hidden threats left behind.

“Even after the conflict stops, deadly unexploded ordnance remains buried in the ground. Our work is about keeping communities safe today and removing these threats so they can resume their lives and rebuild their futures.

“Where it is safe, our teams continue to work on the ground. As soon as conditions allow in Lebanon, Iraq, OPT and Syria, MAG remains ready to scale up emergency response efforts to save lives and support communities to return home safely.

“We urgently call for de-escalation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to prevent further suffering.”

Read MAG's latest statement on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East here.

* All photos taken prior to the current conflict