Over 30,000 people, predominantly Syrian refugees, have fled Lebanon and crossed into Syria in the past three days as Israel’s bombardment of the region intensifies. The surge in border crossings follows escalating violence that has raised concerns for the safety of civilians in Lebanon.
Lebanon currently hosts around 1.5 million Syrian refugees, many of whom have been living in the country since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, according to United Nations estimates.
Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice, expressed concerns over the risks faced by refugees returning to Syria. “While some Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria, it is a big risk for the majority of those living in Lebanon. There are many refugees who are wanted by the Syrian regime. They fear going back and facing potential arrest or forced disappearance,” Alahmad warned.
The situation underscores the dire circumstances for refugees caught between conflict zones, with little certainty about their safety upon return to Syria.
Key Points:
- Over 30,000 people, mostly Syrian refugees, fled from Lebanon to Syria in the last three days amid escalating Israeli bombardment.
- Lebanon is home to approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees who have been there since Syria’s conflict began in 2011, according to UN estimates.
- Many refugees fear returning to Syria due to risks of arrest or forced disappearance by the Syrian regime.
- Human rights groups have raised concerns over the safety of refugees caught between conflicts, highlighting the dangers of returning to Syria.
