The UN has expressed concern about Lebanese families returning from Syria amid dire conditions due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Although the numbers are small, it indicates troubling trends in the humanitarian situation, with many reflecting on the benefits of returning to Lebanon despite risks. The agency warns that international assistance is vital to prevent an escalation in returnees under perilous circumstances.
The United Nations has expressed urgent concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria which has compelled some Lebanese nationals to return to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency representative in Syria, indicated that these individuals are making an exceedingly risky choice, often confronting life-threatening conditions. Although the number of refugees opting to return is minimal, it signals a serious concern regarding worsening conditions both in Syria and among displaced populations. The UNHCR estimates that approximately 560,000 individuals have fled to Syria from Lebanon since late September, with some Lebanese families reassessing their situation amidst increasing threats posed by ongoing conflicts.
During the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, there has been a notable influx of Syrian nationals fleeing back to their homeland. Vargas Llosa noted that around 65 percent of those crossing the border into Syria were originally Syrians who had previously taken refuge in Lebanon. From 2017 until September 2023, 400,000 Syrians returned to Syria from Lebanon. However, the current circumstances reveal that many Lebanese are contemplating return to their homeland, hoping for better living conditions despite alarming risks.
These returning families may perceive improved support systems, service access, and economic opportunities in Lebanon compared to the dire economic situation they face in Syria. Vargas Llosa communicated concern about the potential rise in the number of Lebanese choosing to return home, emphasizing that without significant international aid, this trend may escalate. He remarked, “unless there is a real injection of international support… this number of Lebanese choosing to return home to these extraordinarily difficult circumstances may grow in the coming weeks and months. This would be extremely worrying.”
Additionally, there have been reports of some Syrian returnees opting to return to Lebanon due to severe economic hardship in Syria. Vargas Llosa also highlighted a dramatic decrease in the number of new arrivals into Syria, attributing this decline to fear stemming from Israeli bombings of border crossings. He called upon the Israeli military to “immediately stop these unacceptable attacks,” as they contribute to the escalating fears of both Syrian and Lebanese citizens.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has significantly exacerbated an already precarious situation in Syria, which has been in turmoil for over a decade. The humanitarian crisis has led to mass displacements, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge across borders. Lebanon has been a destination for many fleeing the violence, but conditions in both countries are deteriorating, prompting discussions about potential returns despite the risks involved. The unique circumstances faced by those returning to Lebanon, amidst ongoing conflicts, have raised alarms from agencies like the UNHCR, which continue to monitor and assess these developments closely.
The rising concern from the United Nations reflects a critical humanitarian situation as Lebanese refugees weigh the dangerous decision to return home from Syria. The UN’s observations underscore the complexities of this crisis, as dwindling support and dire living conditions threaten to compel more families back into conflict zones. International intervention remains crucial to mitigate these risks and improve overall conditions for those affected by the ongoing conflicts in both Lebanon and Syria.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
