Beijing announced today it will provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, citing "severe humanitarian disasters" caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The initiative aims to alleviate the hardships faced by people in the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated in Beijing that the aid package reflects China's commitment to promoting peace and ending hostilities. "We hope this will help reduce the humanitarian difficulties local people are facing. We will continue to make every effort to prevent the humanitarian crisis from spreading further," Lin Jian said.

Residents stand in front of a damaged building after an attack in Tehran, Iran on 15/3. Photo: *AFP*

The announcement comes as China intensifies its mediation efforts in the conflict. China's special envoy for Middle East issues recently called for de-escalation during a meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also emphasized that the hostilities "should not have happened" and urged an immediate end to the fighting.

Iran and Lebanon have been severely impacted since the conflict erupted on 28/2. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, as of 15/3, at least 850 people had died and over 2,100 were injured. In Iran, estimates indicate 1,200 to 1,400 fatalities and more than 18,000 injuries.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with significant damage to critical infrastructure. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on 16/3 that health infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon has suffered considerable harm since the United States and Israel launched their offensive.

In Iran, over 230 health facilities and more than 30 ambulances have been damaged or destroyed, leading to numerous medical personnel being killed or injured. Additionally, 54,000 civilian structures, including homes, commercial establishments, and schools, have sustained damage.

Lebanon's healthcare system has also been severely affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 28 attacks on healthcare facilities in the country over the past two weeks, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries. The conflict has also triggered a significant displacement crisis.

More than 830,000 people in southern Lebanon, approximately 14% of the population and including 290,000 children, have registered as displaced persons. OCHA noted that "many families have had to leave their homes multiple times as the conflict spread to new areas."

By Huyen Le (According to *AFP*, *Xinhua*)