The UN warns that dire conditions in Syria are leading some Lebanese refugees to reconsider returning to Lebanon, despite risks. Approximately 560,000 have fled into Syria since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated. The current economic crisis in Syria threatens the sustainability of community support for these refugees, and decreasing border crossings highlight escalating fears due to military actions.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern regarding the dire conditions in Syria, prompting some Lebanese families who initially sought refuge there to consider returning to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Syria, noted that these families are making “very difficult and potentially life-threatening decisions.” Although the number of returnees is small, these developments are seen as alarming signals, especially as over half a million individuals have recently fled Lebanon into Syria amidst the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
As of late September, approximately 560,000 individuals have crossed into Syria from Lebanon due to escalating violence linked to the Israel-Hezbollah war that has flared into full-scale conflict. Lebanese authorities estimate the figure to be higher, exceeding 610,000. Significantly, around 65 percent of those who fled to Syria were Syrian nationals previously displaced to Lebanon during their own country’s prolonged civil war. Vargas Llosa emphasized that many are returning to Lebanon because they find the conditions in Syria intolerable, despite the ongoing conflict in their homeland.
Worsening economic circumstances in Syria have also led some Syrian returnees to reconsider their residency, as they seek better livelihoods and support systems in Lebanon. Vargas Llosa remarked on the exemplary hospitality displayed by communities in Syria, despite the country’s catastrophic economic state. Yet he warned about the sustainability of this generosity, suggesting it could diminish given the escalating economic challenges.
Current trends indicate a notable decrease in the flow of arrivals into Syria, dropping from a peak of 10,000-15,000 daily to around 2,000 due to fears surrounding Israeli military actions. Vargas Llosa called for a cessation of military operations in the region, stating that the fears surrounding border crossings are deterring those who wish to escape dire conditions. The UNHCR has highlighted that unless more international support is provided, the number of Lebanese seeking to return to Lebanon amidst these challenging circumstances may increase significantly in the following weeks.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, leading to increased cross-border violence and displacement. Since late September, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with over half a million people fleeing Lebanon for Syria, prompting the UN to monitor the situation closely. The ongoing war, compounded by Syria’s own internal struggles from a prolonged civil war, has resulted in severe economic hardships for both Lebanese and Syrian populations, influencing their decisions regarding refuge and return.
In light of the deteriorating conditions in Syria, the United Nations has raised alarms about the growing number of Lebanese individuals making the perilous choice to return home. While the numbers are currently small, they reflect a broader trend of displacement motivated by stark economic realities. The situation remains precarious as international support is crucial to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
