trikes have been reported across several countries, including Iran, Lebanon, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, hitting homes, hospitals and schools. The UN says it is activating contingency plans and scaling up its response, although restrictions on operations inside Iran are adding to the challenges.

The worsening regional instability is also having knock‑on effects beyond the immediate conflict zone. Fletcher said mounting insecurity is compounding existing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while restrictions imposed inside Gaza have curbed life‑saving relief and forced the suspension of medical evacuation operations.

Aid agencies report that airspace closures and disrupted supply routes are hampering the delivery of assistance and creating risks of rising food and fuel prices in neighbouring countries. The UN has warned that vulnerable communities already struggling with displacement and chronic shortages could face a further deterioration in living conditions if access does not improve.

Despite the strain on humanitarian systems already facing multiple global emergencies, Fletcher reiterated that relief operations must remain guided by humanitarian principles. “Humanitarian action must remain principled, independent and unimpeded,” he said.

He called for all parties to the conflict to ensure unhindered access for aid workers and to uphold international humanitarian law, especially the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

–UN/ChannelAfrica–