The Refugee Commission calls for calm between Israel and Iran and warns of the humanitarian consequences of the conflict

In a statement issued today, Saturday, the Commission reported that reports of movements from Tehran and other parts of Iran, where some chose to cross into neighboring countries. She added that the shelling prompted people in Israel to search for shelter in other places inside the country, and in some cases outside it.

The UN agency urged the countries of the region to respect people’s right to seek safety when needed, and to facilitate the access of humanitarian aid to the affected. Other United Nations partners joined the call to protect civilians and civil infrastructure in both Israel and Iran.

In this context, the High Commissioner for Refugees, Philipo Grande, said: “This region has already suffered from war, losses and displacement – and we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root. It is time to calm the situation. Once people are forced to flee, there is no high way to return – and often, the consequences continue for generations.”

The Commission added that every day the conflict escalates more, it may lead to the agreement of humanitarian needs “In an area, millions of refugees and displaced people are already hosting.” She noted that Iran is the largest refugee -host country in the world, hosting about 3.5 million refugees, most of them from Afghanistan. And I warned that if the conflict continues, “The current refugees will also face a state of renewed uncertainty and more difficulties.”

The Commission confirmed that it is present in Iran, Israel and many neighboring countries, and it arranges the emergency humanitarian relief supplies in various locations, and is preparing to respond if the need is required.