UNHCR says over 200,000 cross into Syria from Lebanon in March
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday that more than 200,000 people crossed from Lebanon into Syria between March 2 and 27, following a sharp escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
According to Syrian authorities and the UNHCR, the majority of arrivals — nearly 180,000 — are Syrians, including refugees who had previously sought safety in Lebanon and are now returning under pressure from renewed violence, as well as Syrians who had long considered going back.
More than 28,000 Lebanese nationals also crossed into Syria, many fleeing intense Israeli bombardment.
Movements have been heaviest through the Masnaa–Jdeidat Yabous and al-Qaa–Joussieh crossings, both now operating around the clock.
The Arida crossing reopened on March 7 but remains limited to pedestrian traffic due to damage to a bridge. Early March recorded the largest influx, particularly families arriving from Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon.
According to the UNHCR, around half of the Syrians interviewed said they intend to remain in Syria permanently despite economic hardship and limited services, while others described their stay as temporary.
Many Syrians are returning to extended family homes or rented accommodation. Smaller numbers of Lebanese nationals and Syrian Palestinians have also crossed as part of mixed families.
Immediate needs among arrivals include food, shelter, healthcare, livelihoods, and civil documentation. The UNHCR teams have expanded their presence at border points and in receiving areas including Aleppo, Raqqa, Rif Dimashq, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa and Homs.
The agency added that it has provided legal assistance for civil documents, distributed water to 30,000 people in transit, delivered relief items, and organized transport for more than 3,500 people. Over 20,000 returnees have received support through community centres across the country.
The UNHCR warned that its Syria operation is less than 30 percent funded against a $324 million requirement for 2026, calling for urgent international support as returns continue under difficult conditions.