UN refugee agency declares ‘major humanitarian emergency’ in West Asia
The Hindu
UN refugee agency declares a major humanitarian emergency in West Asia as conflict displaces nearly 100,000 people in Lebanon.
The UN refugee agency said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that nearly 1,00,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon and tens of thousands of Syrian refugees there have fled back over the border, calling the situation in the region a “major humanitarian emergency”.
Also read: Israel-Iran war updates on March 6, 2026
Israel has issued large-scale evacuation orders for southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut amid hostilities with the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah since a U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran began on February 28.
“UNHCR has declared the escalating crisis in the Middle East as a major humanitarian emergency requiring an immediate response across the region and into Southeast Asia,” Ayaki Ito, the U.N. refugee agency’s Director of Emergency and Programme Support, told a Geneva press briefing.
Mr. Ito added that the figures given for the scale of displacement so far are likely an underestimate.
Iran-Israel war: A day‑by‑day rundown of the escalating crisis
Hungary's PM Orban accuses Ukraine of blackmail, halting transit shipments until oil flow agreements are restored.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister condemns U.S. attack on unarmed vessel, emphasizing violations of international law and escalating tensions.
The Justice Department releases previously withheld Epstein files containing uncorroborated accusations against Trump amid ongoing scrutiny and political pressure.
Intense Israeli airstrikes target Iran and Lebanon as U.S. warns of escalating conflict and heightened military involvement.
Australian troops were aboard a U.S. submarine that sank an Iranian ship; PM Albanese clarifies their role was non-combat.
Trump pressures Latin American leaders to reduce ties with China, invoking U.S. control over the Panama Canal and imposing travel bans.
Cuba reports fifth death from a shootout involving a U.S. speedboat, with charges filed against survivors linked to terrorism.
Bangladesh faces soaring LNG prices after Qatar halts supplies, prompting gas rationing and shutdowns of fertiliser plants.
Jimmy Lai's legal team announces he will not appeal his 20-year national security conviction in Hong Kong.
Rastriya Swotantra Party leads in 23 seats in Nepal's elections, with a 60% voter turnout amid significant political changes.
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates on the West Asia conflict, on March 6, 2026
Trump demands influence over Iran's leadership choice amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict, dismissing Khamenei's son as a contender.
Twenty-four U.S. states file a lawsuit to block Trump’s new tariffs, claiming they violate legal authority and seek refunds.