100,000 flee to Syria from Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes continue – UNHCR

Syrians, who were living in Lebanon and returned to Syria due to ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, wait with their belongings at the Syrian-Lebanese border, in Jdaydet Yabous, Syria, Sep. 25, 2024. - Reuters

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The number of people fleeing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and crossing into Syria has reached 100,000, a U.N. official said on Monday.

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said in a statement posted on X platform, “The number of people who have crossed into Syria from Lebanon fleeing Israeli airstrikes — Lebanese and Syrian nationals — has reached 100,000. The outflow continues.”

Grandi added that UNHCR is working at four key border crossing points in coordination with local authorities and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to assist the new arrivals.

The displaced populations are seeking refuge from the intense bombardment affecting southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut.

The outflow, which includes both Lebanese and Syrian nationals, shows no signs of slowing as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates.

By Ster Youssef