As of late February, details remain scarce regarding an agreement to end the conflict impacting the Middle East, the Gulf region, and beyond. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Monday a decrease in violence and cross-fire in the south, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have been clashing since the early days of the crisis.
Situation Assessment
On the humanitarian front, OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) noted reports of some families beginning to return to their homes or assess conditions in southern Lebanon, particularly around Nabatieh. However, it was emphasized that large-scale returns have not occurred and that people should not return until it is safe. Local authorities indicate that occupancy rates in collective shelters remain high, as many displaced families are awaiting greater clarity on the security situation before deciding to return home. The Lebanese Armed Forces and some local officials have urged residents not to return to high-risk areas at this time. Meanwhile, the UN continues to call for the protection of civilians, safe and voluntary returns, and sustained humanitarian access for all those in need.
Escalating Security Concerns in Gaza Lead to New Displacement
Increased insecurity across Gaza displaced more families over the weekend, adding further strain to already stretched humanitarian response, according to the UN humanitarian coordination office OCHA. On Friday, an airstrike in the courtyard of a UN school hosting displaced families in Jabalia refugee camp caused minor damage. On the same day, dozens of families fled east of Gaza City due to the “Yellow Line,” which Israeli soldiers have been expanding westward using yellow concrete blocks. Introduced in October 2025, the line demarcates areas controlled by Israeli forces with restricted access and has expanded several times since. UN human rights staff report that Palestinians have been killed for coming too close. Those remaining nearby reported that increasing insecurity is heightening the pressure to move again. Many newly displaced families reportedly left without their tents or belongings and are now sheltering with relatives or friends.
Joint Response
To support those affected, humanitarian partners have activated a joint UN response mechanism designed to provide rapid assistance following sudden displacements. Meanwhile, aid distribution remains restricted. OCHA reported that the Kerem Shalom/Kerem Abu Selim crossing continues to be the sole entry point for approved materials. Restrictions on essential items like power generators and spare parts persist, although recent negotiations have secured approval for some additional materials, including equipment needed to improve malnutrition screenings.
Urgent Funding Secured as Famine Risk Looms in Somalia
The UN has allocated $10 million in emergency funding to prevent a worsening of hunger and mitigate the risk of famine in Somalia, where drought, conflict, and rising prices continue to deepen humanitarian needs. The funds, disbursed through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), will support UN agencies and partners in delivering food, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection assistance to approximately 640,000 people across nine priority regions. Humanitarian organizations warn that an estimated six million people—more than 30 percent of Somalia’s population—are expected to face crisis-level food insecurity or worse this year, including 1.9 million people in emergency conditions. In parts of the Bay and Bakool regions, particularly in agro-pastoral areas, a possibility of famine has been observed.
Funding Gap Persists
Aid efforts remain severely underfunded, with only 20 percent of the 2026 humanitarian appeal received to date. Only 24 percent of the targeted assistance has been reached since January. Concurrently, higher food and fuel prices linked to regional instability have further diminished families’ ability to meet their basic needs.
