World Vision responds to air strike on Damascus
17 July 2025 – World Vision is concerned about the recent air strike on Damascus, Syria, and the potential for this incident and rising conflict within southern Syria, to escalate violence and hamper humanitarian operations within the region.
Damascus serves as one of several humanitarian hubs across Syria for both international and national NGOs, including World Vision. Any attack on Damascus has the potential to hinder aid operations to other parts of the country, disrupting the delivery of essential services to children in need.
World Vision remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Syrians across the country who are attempting to rebuild their lives following 13 years of conflict and the subsequent fall of the Assad government seven months ago.
"The humanitarian situation in Syria remains critical, with millions of people facing severe food insecurity, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic services. The recent bombing in Damascus only exacerbates these challenges. Syria cannot be allowed to fall back into violence and division, especially when so many were hopeful for a new start and looking to rebuild their lives. All sides, internal and external to Syria must pull back from the brink with a clear-eyed understanding of what will happen to children if they do not.” – Eleanor Monbiot, Regional Leader for the Middle East and Eastern Europe, World Vision
World Vision coordinates with partners on the ground to deliver emergency aid, including food, water, emergency supplies and education and protection support for children and vulnerable populations. But this could be put at risk by a rise in violence. Aside from airstrike on the Syrian capital, Damascus, in recent days there have been a series of clashes between World Vision calls for an immediate end to the violence and urges all parties to prioritise the safety and well-being of civilians. It is crucial that humanitarian aid can reach those in need without hindrance.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
For over a decade, World Vision has been on the ground, providing life-saving assistance in Syria, Jordan, and Türkiye. In 2024 alone, the organisation reached 2.4 million people, including 1.4 million children, delivering vital support in healthcare, nutrition, protection, education, mental health, and livelihoods.
World Vision is committed to expanding its operations within Syria, to reach more areas where children have been exposed to this generational crisis.
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 serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
For more information, please contact: Micah Branaman, Regional Communications and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and Eastern Europe region, micah_branaman@wvi.org
For more information, please visit https://www.wvi.org/emergencies/syria-crisis-response or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter @WorldVisionSR