World Vision International: Children across the Middle East gripped by fear and uncertainty as violence escalates
28 February 2026 – Today’s escalation of violence across the Middle East is placing millions of children and their families at serious risk of harm and death, warns World Vision International.
Eleanor Monbiot, Regional Leader for World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe, said:
“We are deeply concerned about today’s escalation of violence in the Middle East, which is putting the lives of millions of children and families across the region at grave risk. We call for peace and urge all parties to the conflict to de-escalate.
“Families in the Middle East will now be living in deep fear for what the consequences of this conflict might be, and the threat that comes if it escalates further. Girls and boys across the region are frightened, unable to sleep, and unsure whether their homes, schools, and loved ones will remain safe. No child should have to live with this level of fear and uncertainty.
“We know from working with communities in Lebanon, the West Bank, Syria, Jordan, and Türkiye, how ongoing conflict, violence and displacement over recent years and months emotionally and physically damages children. This cycle of violence must come to an end, allowing children to thrive and reach their God-given potential.
World Vision calls for peace, compassion, and urgent efforts to protect civilians. The organisation urges all parties to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of families and children, while ensuring humanitarian assistance can reach those in need across the region.
Notes to Editor:
World Vision has been working across the Middle East for more than 50 years, delivering life-saving assistance and long-term development programmes to vulnerable children and families. The organisation provides emergency food assistance, clean water, healthcare, education, child protection, and psychosocial support in some of the region’s most fragile contexts.
For more information, please contact:
Evita Jourdi, Regional Advocacy, Policy and External Engagement Senior Advisor at World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe: Evita_jourdi@wvi.org I +961 71 677 744