The United Nations has raised alarms about the worsening conditions for those fleeing Lebanon to Syria, with an estimated 560,000 people crossing the border since late September. UNHCR representative Gonzalo Vargas Llosa highlighted that the dire situation has led some Lebanese families to make the perilous choice to return to Lebanon, despite the ongoing conflict and economic instability in Syria. He noted that approximately 65% of those crossing are Syrian refugees who had previously sought safety in Lebanon, with many now facing the harsh realities of life back home.
Vargas Llosa praised the generosity of Syrian communities towards the influx of refugees, but expressed concern over the sustainability of this support given the deteriorating economic conditions. Reports indicate a significant drop in refugee arrivals into Syria, decreasing from 10,000-15,000 per day to about 2,000, likely due to Israeli bombing of border crossings. The UNHCR's figures contrast with Lebanese authorities, who estimate the number of refugees at over 610,000, reflecting the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
