Kathmandu. The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East is deepening, saying the conflict in the region is having a serious impact on civilians and infrastructure.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that health care infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon has been severely damaged. According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, more than 230 health facilities and more than 30 ambulances and medical vehicles have been damaged or destroyed in Iran. Some health workers were also killed and injured.

Meanwhile, there were 28 attacks on health services in Lebanon in the past two weeks, according to the World Health Organization. At least 30 people were killed and 35 injured in the incident.

Various UN agencies are providing assistance to the affected people. More than 8 lakh hot meals have been distributed by organisations including the World Food Programme (WFP), the Refugee Agency and the Children’s Fund. Blankets, mattresses, sleeping mats and other shelter items were also distributed.

A large number of people are being displaced in the south of Lebanon. More than 830,000 people have been displaced, including about 290,000 children, according to government figures.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is also very serious, according to the United Nations. Hundreds of shelters have been damaged and thousands have been forced to live under the open sky.

The disruption of food supplies has forced many families in Gaza to burn waste to cook, the World Food Programme has warned.

The United Nations has urged the international community to allow regular entry of cooking gas and other essential goods into Gaza.