Israel- Hezbollah war: UNHCR reports massive influx of refugees crossing from Lebanon into Syria
The UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, has reported a massive influx of people crossing from Lebanon into Syria since September 23, with estimated numbers reaching 472,000.
The surge is a direct result of the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The fleeing population comprises 32,829 Lebanese refugees and 216,369 Syrians who had initially sought refuge in Lebanon following the outbreak of the civil war in their country.
Many of those arriving in Syria have fled from southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been carrying out intense daily attacks.
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“On 1 November, the number of arrivals at the Jdaidet Yabous crossing point in Rural Damascus remained slightly lower compared with the daily average of 600 persons. The craters in the road continued to prevent the crossing of vehicles through Masnaa; most new arrivals reached Jdeidet Yabous through buses organised by SARC, and a lesser number through privately arranged transportation.
“The flow of arrivals at Dabbousieh and Jesr Kamar border crossings in Homs continued steadily, with around 500 persons crossing daily.”
The region has borne the brunt of the conflict, forcing thousands to seek safety elsewhere. The UNHCR is scaling up its support to address the growing needs of the displaced population, including providing assistance at the Jdaidet Yabous border crossing in Syria.
Many of the refuge seekers are facing extreme poverty and dwindling socio-economic conditions. The UNHCR’s multi-year strategy in Lebanon focuses on preserving the protection space, enhancing social cohesion, and enabling solutions for refugees
