Syria Crisis
Airstrikes in Damascus and Suwayda
In July 2025, airstrikes devastated multiple locations across the Syrian capital of Damascus. In the weeks prior this, the countryside of Suwayda also experienced targeted attacks on civilian areas, infrastructure and public services. Several villages and parts of the city have suffered widespread damage, including the destruction of homes, looting of medical facilities, disruption to education, and the displacement of over 90% of the local population – primarily women, children and the elderly. The humanitarian situation has been compounded by limited access to basic services, increasing insecurity, and movement restrictions both within and outside the governorate.
Our current response
Our team in Damascus is assessing the evolving situation and monitoring any displacement. At this stage, our primary focus is on strengthening the local health system through supplementary support, aiming to enhance emergency response capacity in the event of further escalation and a potential rise in casualties.
Humanitarian impact of 14 years of war
More than half a million people have been killed and 7.2 million people have been internally displaced, while 6.2 million more have fled to neighbouring countries like Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, in search of safety.
Healthcare facilities, schools, homes and other critical infrastructure have been destroyed and more than 90% of the population now lives below the poverty line.
Half of those suffering the brunt of this conflict are children and, of the country’s total population of 24 million people, an estimated 16.7 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Our ongoing commitment to the people of Syria
Islamic Relief has provided emergency relief and humanitarian aid to millions of vulnerable people across Syria, and to displaced Syrians living in refugee camps in neighbouring countries.
Our comprehensive healthcare interventions, which have served 1.2 million people to date, include running healthcare facilities such as mobile emergency units and dialysis centres. We also established and supported the country’s only heart surgery centre.
When you donate to Syria, you are helping to ensure that:
- Healthcare workers have the necessary equipment and supplies
- Families have access to nourishing food
- Communities have access to clean water
- Critical infrastructure is repaired
- Communities are supported to establish livelihoods
- People living through the hardships and trauma of war have access to psychosocial support