In March 2026 the informal settlement of Hay el Gharbeh, on the edge of Beirut, was in the middle of an evacuation zone as the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was at its height. When you’re living with no savings, no safety net, even small snags can push you from ‘just getting by’ into prolonged crisis. So, the impact of war and displacement is catastrophic. We’ve the latest update from Embrace partner Tahaddi, who tell us that, 6 months on, the ongoing impact of war is still deeply felt in this neighbourhood.

Across the Middle East, the ongoing conflict has brought immense suffering, uncertainty and loss. Yet even in the midst of fear and destruction, our Christian partners there remain steadfast in their commitment to serve their neighbours.

Hanna is one member of the relief team serving families in the Beqaa Valley, distributing the essential Winterisation supplies that your generous support funds. We follow Hanna through a typical day as he meets three different families, offering support to meet physical, emotional and spiritual need.

Our Christian partners in the Middle East reflect on where they see Emmanuel this Christmas, revealing how God is at work in their communities and how the light of Christ continues to overcome the darkest of situations.

During the autumn of 2024, the Israel-Hezbollah war turned life upside down for many of Lebanon’s citizens, but what has life been like since the ceasefire? Has life been able to return to normal or are there lasting scars? We’ve the latest updates from our partners in Lebanon.

Many families in the informal settlement of Hay El Gharbeh in southern Beirut lack legal documents such as birth certificates or identity documents. This is more than the inconvenience of missing paperwork, it means blocked access to healthcare, education, and dignity. Our partner, Tahaddi is walking beside families on their journey to be seen, recognised and protected.

IN PICTURES - snapshots from life on the farm. It began as a small pilot project in 2021, with no guarantee of success; this year they are celebrating a bumper harvest.

The Chief Operations Officer at our Lebanese partner Thimar shares an update on what has been happening in Lebanon and Syria; how Thimar and their church partners have been responding; and reflects on what the future might hold for these countries.

Dr Hussein Ismail, the founder and director of Embrace’s partner the Learning Centre for the Deaf in Lebanon, tells us of the work of the centre, the impact of the recent war, and the importance of his Christian faith.