Middle East region showing Iran and Israel conflict zones

Iran–Israel Regional Conflict

Updated: June 2025

150K+ People Displaced Across Both Nations

Emergency personnel work amid debris at an impacted residential site in Be'er Sheva, Israel on June 24, 2025. Amir Cohen/Reuters

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Overview of the Crisis

A long-standing "shadow war" characterized by covert operations and proxy conflicts has escalated into direct, cross-border hostilities, resulting in a severe, multi-faceted humanitarian crisis affecting civilians across both nations. The recent phase of direct military exchanges has inflicted significant civilian suffering, leading to displacement, casualties, and damage to critical infrastructure, presenting immense challenges for humanitarian access and threatening broader regional instability.

The Roots of the Situation

The origins of the animosity are deeply rooted in the geopolitical shifts of the late 20th century. Key factors include:

The 1979 Iranian Revolution

This event marked a fundamental turning point, replacing a monarchy allied with Israel with a revolutionary government that adopted a staunchly anti-Israel ideology.

Proxy Conflicts

For decades, the conflict was primarily waged through proxies. Iran has supported groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. In turn, Israel has carried out operations it claims are necessary to counter the influence of these groups and to limit Iran's strategic reach.

The Nuclear Program

Israel has long viewed Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat, leading to numerous covert operations aimed at slowing its progress.

Escalation to Direct Conflict

After years of targeted strikes and retaliatory actions, the conflict moved into a new phase in mid-2025, with direct missile and drone attacks between the two nations.

The Current Humanitarian Impact

Cross-Border Hostilities and Displacement

The direct exchange of fire has had immediate consequences for civilians. In Iran, reports indicate displacement from major urban centers as families flee areas perceived as potential targets. Concurrently, in Israel, communities have faced direct missile attacks, leading to casualties and displacement from border regions.

Impact on Civilian Infrastructure

Essential civilian services on both sides have been affected. The June 19 missile strike on the Soroka hospital in Beersheba, Israel, caused numerous casualties and severely disrupted medical services for the surrounding population. Similarly, reports from Iran describe hospitals being overwhelmed with casualties and struggling with shortages of medical supplies. This pattern of damage to critical infrastructure has severe consequences for non-combatants.

The Psychological Toll

For civilians on both sides, the shift from a distant "shadow war" to direct conflict has created an environment of intense fear and psychological distress. Families live with the uncertainty of future attacks, and the trauma of witnessing violence has created significant mental health needs in affected communities.

One minute, you are planning your week. The next, you are grabbing your children and a bag, not knowing if you will ever see your home again. The fear is the same, no matter where you live.
— A displaced resident

The International Response & Funding Gap

Access for international humanitarian agencies has been significantly constrained by the political sensitivities of the conflict. As a result, the frontline response is being managed largely by national aid organizations.

In Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA), a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is leading emergency medical and ambulance services. In Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent is the primary organization responding to humanitarian needs, providing shelter and medical assistance to those displaced.

Both organizations require significant resources to cope with the scale of the crisis. Urgent funding is needed for medical supplies, emergency shelter, and psychosocial support for affected civilians in both nations.

Politics are for governments. Our job is to treat the injured person in front of us, regardless of their uniform or nationality. A person in need is a person in need.
— Representative account of a local emergency medical worker

Urgent Priority Needs

Based on reports, the key priorities across the affected regions are:

Emergency Medical Supplies: Providing hospitals and clinics with the resources to treat casualties.
Support for Displaced Persons: Ensuring access to safe shelter, food, and clean water for families who have fled their homes.
Protection of Civilian Infrastructure: Advocating for the protection of hospitals, schools, and water systems from hostilities.
Mental Health Support: Providing psychosocial care for civilians, particularly children, traumatized by the conflict.