Geneva: The UN refugee agency has reported that escalating hostilities across the Middle East have resulted in the forced displacement of more than 330,000 individuals, primarily within their countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UNHCR highlighted that clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have led to the displacement of thousands of families. The agency is urgently calling for dialogue and de-escalation as the violence continues to intensify.

In Iran, which has long been a refuge for 1.65 million people, mainly from Afghanistan, an estimated 100,000 individuals have left Tehran following recent attacks by Israel and the United States. Despite this movement, there has been no significant increase in cross-border movements from Iran in response to these events.

Additionally, in Lebanon, government reports indicate that over 84,000 people are currently taking shelter in nearly 400 collective sites. The situation has also prompted over 30,000 people, predominantly Syrians but also some Lebanese, to cross into Syria since hostilities with Israel escalated.

The agency also emphasized the tense situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with active conflict leading to internal displacement. An estimated 115,000 people in Afghanistan and 3,000 in Pakistan have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

The UNHCR has stressed the necessity of providing safe passage for civilians needing to relocate or cross borders to find safety.