Syrian Refugees Return Amid Ongoing Conflict
As tensions escalate in the region, Syrian families are returning from Lebanon to northern Syria, particularly to Idlib, fleeing the Israeli bombardment. Suleiman Fares, a refugee who recently made the perilous journey, described his experience, saying, "We fled the Israeli bombing of Tyre in Lebanon, and were met by Russian bombing in Idlib." Fares, along with his family of five, faced numerous dangers and incurred significant costs, totaling around $800, primarily spent on bribes and smuggling fees to navigate through military checkpoints controlled by the Syrian regime.
Upon their arrival in Idlib, the Fares family quickly found themselves in a precarious situation as Russian airstrikes intensified. This coincided with a visit from a United Nations delegation, who witnessed the fear and desperation of the returning displaced families. According to estimates from local authorities and the United Nations, over 4,000 families have returned to opposition-controlled areas in northwestern Syria, which are grappling with severe humanitarian crises as the civil war enters its 14th year.
The ongoing military actions, including attacks from Russian warplanes and artillery shelling from regime forces, have resulted in casualties among civilians, with reports indicating 10 deaths and 32 injuries in recent escalations. The Syrian Civil Defense has issued warnings about the potential for a new humanitarian disaster, urging international bodies to provide support for civilians and humanitarian workers in the region.
Challenges Faced by Returnees
Another recent returnee, Abdul Aziz Al-Khatib, shared his harrowing journey from the Lebanese Bekaa Valley, where he left with minimal belongings, including clothes and identification papers, to escape the Israeli attacks. His week-long journey was fraught with challenges, including exhaustion and illness among his children, who often had to sleep outdoors. Currently, Al-Khatib is living with his brother in Idlib while searching for permanent housing, expressing concerns about the escalating violence in the area that threatens his family's safety and future.
The returnees face significant hurdles, particularly high unemployment rates exceeding 88%, which severely limit job opportunities. Haitham Al-Hamoud, a relief activist, noted that the humanitarian response to these returnees has been inadequate, primarily offering limited food assistance and directing families to overcrowded camps that lack essential services. As these families attempt to rebuild their lives, the combination of ongoing conflict and insufficient humanitarian aid poses a formidable challenge to their survival and stability.
