By Ebi Kesiena
The escalating Middle East conflict is severely disrupting the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, leaving nearly half a million vulnerable children cut off from critical support, according to international charity Save the Children.
The organisation warned that intensifying hostilities have obstructed key global transport routes by air, sea and land, causing major delays in aid delivery while driving shipping costs up by as much as 50 percent.
Conflict Disrupts Major Global Shipping Routes
Since military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28, rising tensions have disrupted major international trade corridors.
One of the most affected routes is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping channel that serves as a vital artery for global energy and cargo transportation.
The disruption has had immediate consequences for humanitarian operations around the world.
Over 410,000 Children Affected by Aid Delays
According to Save the Children, aid supplies meant for at least 410,000 children and their families across Sudan, Afghanistan and Yemen have either been delayed or stranded due to the disruption.
The organisation warned that the delays could significantly worsen already fragile humanitarian conditions in these crisis-affected regions.
Medical Supplies Stuck in Sudan
In Sudan, a shipment of essential medical supplies remains stranded in Dubai due to restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.
The delay threatens more than 90 primary healthcare facilities, which risk running out of vital medicines including antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, deworming treatments, and medicines for pain and fever.
To bypass the disruption, Save the Children is considering alternative logistics routes, including transporting supplies by road through Saudi Arabia to Jeddah before shipping them onward to Port Sudan.
However, the workaround is expected to significantly increase operational costs.
Afghanistan Nutrition Aid Also Impacted
The crisis is also affecting humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, where nutrition supplies intended for about 5,000 children and 1,400 pregnant or breastfeeding women have been delayed.
The aid was originally scheduled to arrive via Iran, but may now require transportation by air freight, which could cost more than $240,000—exceeding the total value of the supplies themselves.
Yemen Medicines Stranded
In Yemen, medicines intended for around 5,000 children are also currently stranded in Dubai.
Alternative land transport routes are being considered, but they could double the logistics costs required to deliver the aid.
Save the Children Warns of Global Humanitarian Impact
Save the Children described the crisis as having “grave ripple effects” that extend far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The organisation has called on all parties involved in the conflict to guarantee the safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.
It warned that continued disruption to global transport routes could deepen humanitarian emergencies worldwide and place millions of vulnerable people—especially children—at even greater risk.
