An estimated 100,000 individuals have crossed the Lebanese border back into Syria following the recent strikes on Lebanon by Israel, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). The agency's spokesperson described the attacks during the last week of September as the most intense since 2006.
Some of those fleeing the country have been directly injured in the strikes, with heartbreaking accounts emerging. For instance, a woman was witnessed crossing the border carrying two deceased children that she intended to bury in Syria.
The ongoing hostilities have forced many to seek refuge once again, compounding the challenges faced by those who had previously fled Syria for safety and security in Lebanon. The situation has left many feeling exhausted, scared, and in need, particularly as they arrive in a country that has been grappling with its own crisis and violence for over 13 years, alongside economic collapse.
According to the UNHCR, the majority of the estimated 100,000 individuals who have crossed from Lebanon to Syria are women and children. Among the arrivals, approximately 80% are Syrians, while the remaining 20% are Lebanese.
This mass displacement highlights the dire consequences of the escalating conflict in the region, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and international support to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
