Since September 23, nearly 500,000 individuals have fled Lebanon for Syria amidst escalating conflict with Israel, according to the UNHCR. Among them are 32,829 Lebanese and 216,369 returning Syrian refugees. Many fled intense Israeli strikes primarily in southern Lebanon, resulting in substantial civilian casualties. The UN reports that 60 percent of those displaced are minors, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
According to a report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 472,000 individuals have escaped Lebanon to seek refuge in Syria since September 23, amid heightened conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This figure comprises 32,829 Lebanese refugees and 216,369 Syrian refugees who had previously sought shelter in Lebanon during the civil war in their homeland and are now returning due to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon. Most of those fleeing hail from southern Lebanon, where the Israeli military has been conducting relentless assaults. The ongoing military actions are reportedly a part of Israel’s broader campaign against Hezbollah, intensified by Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which also prompted military actions in Gaza. Since the start of Israeli operations in Lebanon, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported at least 2,897 fatalities and over 13,400 injuries. Significantly, the UNHCR indicated that 60 percent of the displaced individuals are minors, along with others who have special needs, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. The Syrian government has maintained an open-border policy at several designated border crossing points to accommodate the influx. However, Israeli airstrikes targeting these crossings have caused severe damage to the roads, forcing many to traverse on foot with their possessions and children in tow. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants commenced on October 8, 2023. This escalation occurred as Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas, which had initiated its assault on Israel from Gaza the previous day. The aftermath of the Hamas attack resulted in a considerable civilian death toll, with at least 1,206 confirmed casualties. In retaliation, Israel’s continued military response in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of approximately 43,314 Palestinians—mostly civilians, as sourced from the local health ministry, deemed reliable by the United Nations.
The ongoing conflict in the region has intensified following the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. This act of aggression prompted a severe and retaliatory military response from Israel, which has targeted not only Gaza but also Lebanon in its efforts against Hezbollah. Consequently, the humanitarian landscape in Lebanon has drastically deteriorated, forcing many citizens and Syrian refugees who had sought asylum in Lebanon to flee back to Syria. The UNHCR’s estimates of those displaced underscore the gravity of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by minors and vulnerable populations amidst conflict.
In conclusion, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with nearly half a million refugees fleeing Lebanon to Syria since late September. This migration represents a complex challenge, particularly for minors and those with special needs. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing military actions, which continue to leave a devastating mark on the civilian population in both Lebanon and Gaza. The disparity in casualties and the toll of conflict on the region’s children underscores a pressing humanitarian concern that requires urgent attention from the international community.
Original Source: english.alarabiya.net
