Syrian Refugees Face Harrowing Choices Amid Conflict
As the conflict in Lebanon escalates, thousands of Syrian refugees are grappling with the harrowing decision of whether to return to their war-torn homeland or remain in Lebanon amidst Israeli bombardments. Alaa S., a 27-year-old human rights activist, poignantly articulated the dilemma faced by many: "Is it possible that a Syrian has no choice but to die under bombardment or die under torture?" This question underscores the dire circumstances refugees are confronting in both Lebanon and Syria.
Since the onset of Israeli aggression on Lebanon in late September, reports of arrests and enforced disappearances of returning Syrian refugees have surged. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented at least 17 cases of such incidents, highlighting the risks associated with returning home. Many young Syrians fear being targeted by security services due to their political activities or for having evaded military service.
The Reality of Return: Arrests and Insecurity
The situation is compounded by a lack of trust in the Syrian government’s recent amnesty decree, which purportedly offers leniency to those who fled military service before September 22, 2024. Many young men, like Wassim S., who returned from Lebanon, have expressed skepticism about the decree's implementation, fearing that they will face immediate arrest at military checkpoints.
Wassim, a 22-year-old chef, shared his experience of having to pay smugglers up to $700 to navigate through military checkpoints undetected. He fled to Lebanon seeking refuge from compulsory military service, only to find himself returning home under the threat of renewed danger. The cost of smuggling has risen significantly, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000, reflecting the increasing peril of the journey.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing Israeli strikes have exacerbated the already precarious situation for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Many are now facing a second wave of displacement, forced to return to areas ravaged by war and under the control of a regime they fled from initially. Observers note that the number of Syrians returning to Syria has increased sharply, with over 254,906 displaced persons reported to have returned between September 23 and mid-October.
The humanitarian conditions for Syrian refugees in Lebanon remain dire, with estimates suggesting that 1.5 million Syrians reside in the country, 90% of whom live in extreme poverty. The Bekaa region has the highest density of Syrian refugees, further straining local resources and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As the conflict continues, the plight of these refugees remains a pressing issue, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and support.
