| dc.description.abstract | There is no letup to conflicts, political instability and humanitarian crises affecting the Middle
East and therefore international intervention is urgent. The scope of this study critically
evaluates the work of international organizations ranging from the United Nations (UN), Red
Cross (RC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), World Food Programme (WFP), International
Rescue Committee (IRC) and Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) in aid provision and
conflict resolution within conflict prone countries as in Syria, Yemen, Palestine and Iraq. The
study is conducted using qualitative research methodology, inductive approach and a case
study strategy. It analyses secondary data, which consists of organizational reports, academic
literature, and policy documents, in order to identify recurring challenges and best practices.
The study is based on conflict transformation theory and peace building frameworks as
contextualizing the operational realities of humanitarian interventions. Additionally, findings
show that, while international organizations provide crucial assistance against immediate
humanitarian suffering, their activities are constrained by political interference, sectarian
conditions, security threats and a lack of funding. Politicization of aid weakens the neutrality
on which a humanitarian operation relies and makes integrated emergency relief and long term peace building strategies weaker. Finally, the study emphasizes the need to adopt
conflict sensitive humanitarian approaches, as well as to enhance local communities’ capacity
in order for sustainable peace in the Middle East to be achieved. The research provides
essential knowledge for policy makers, humanitarian actors, and scholars by urging for
multifaceted, context specific strategies that resolve existent needs and prevent causes of
conflict. Its focus is on the importance of aligning aid to broader socio-political reconstruction
for the long-term peace and stability in the region. | en_US |
