The UN has raised concerns about the dire situation in Syria as some Lebanese return to Lebanon. Approximately 560,000 individuals have fled into Syria amid the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with rising numbers of Lebanese choosing to return despite risks. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, a UN representative, underscores the urgency of international support to prevent further escalations in this humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations has expressed alarm over the challenging conditions in Syria, prompting some Lebanese individuals who fled there to escape the ongoing conflict to reconsider their safety by returning to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Syria, noted that although the number of returnees is minimal, these movements signal troubling trends. Approximately 560,000 individuals have fled into Syria amid intensifying clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since late September, with Lebanese authorities estimating the number to exceed 610,000.
Vargas Llosa highlighted that about 65 percent of those who have crossed into Syria are Syrian nationals seeking refuge from their country’s protracted civil war. While expressing gratitude for the generosity of Syrian communities toward the new arrivals, he cautioned that Syria’s already precarious economic situation raises concerns about the sustainability of this hospitality.
Notably, an increasing number of Lebanese citizens are making the challenging decision to return, believing conditions in Lebanon might be more favorable despite the ongoing bombings. Reports indicate that around 50 Lebanese individuals are returning daily, motivated by a perceived lack of basic services and economic opportunities in war-torn Syria. However, Vargas Llosa warned that without increased international assistance, this trend may escalate, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation for both Lebanese and Syrian populations.
The alarming number of individuals fleeing conflict and seeking refuge is exacerbated by ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the widespread devastation in Syria caused by its civil war. The UN has previously documented significant displacements, with Lebanon hosting a large number of refugees from Syria, complicating the stability and resources of both nations. The humanitarian crisis continues to evolve, influenced by international tensions and local economic conditions.
In summary, the UN’s concerns about the conditions in Syria leading some Lebanese to return home underscore the urgent need for international aid and intervention. As the situation evolves, the humanitarian crisis may worsen, necessitating a global response to support affected populations in both Lebanon and Syria. The delicate balance of refugee safety and community resources remains at stake as more individuals make life-threatening decisions to secure their futures.
Original Source: thesun.my
