Press Release
March 12, 2026 • 2 min read
As the Middle East enters a second week of intense conflict, relentless aerial bombardments are tearing through communities, forcing families to flee and give up their way of life. GOAL teams are working with local communities in Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon and Iraq to support families displaced by the conflict.
“The situation is volatile beyond measure,” says Colin Lee, Director of Programme and Operations at GOAL, “more than 700,000 people in Lebanon have now registered as displaced. Families are running for their lives, leaving behind their homes, and their possessions. Their only priority is survival.”
In South Lebanon, GOAL’s longstanding local partner Nabaa is among the few organisations able to reach some of the hardesthit areas.
“There are just 580 collective centres, mostly schools and training facilities, sheltering 122,000 internally displaced people,” reports Hiba Hamzi, Programme Coordinator at Nabaa. “These centres are at 92% capacity. Those arriving in the coming days will find the doors closed. What happens then?”
Hiba Hamzi continues, “We are determined to reach as many people as possible. We’ve already delivered food and hygiene kits to thousands, but the needs are escalating daily. We are identifying new areas where families are going hungry or sleeping in unsafe conditions as we turn street corners. The impact of this war is everywhere you look.”
Despite the growing dangers, GOAL’s partners remain on the front line of the conflict. Colin Lee concludes,
“Tensions are rising fast. Communities are terrified, why? With resources dwindling, some residents are refusing to take in displaced families. Then there is the added risk that they’ll become targets themselves. Fear is fuelling intercommunity conflict. The environment is incredibly unstable.”
In response to the crisis, GOAL has launched an emergency appeal. Supporters are encouraged to visit goal.ie to help deliver food, water and hygiene kits to communities fleeing the conflict.
