The UN warns that deteriorating conditions in Syria prompt some Lebanese refugees to return, risking their safety. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa highlights that while numbers are small, they signal serious concerns, as many Lebanese families weigh the decision to return despite ongoing conflict and economic hardship. Without international support, returning numbers may increase, exacerbating an already fragile situation.
The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions in Syria, leading some Lebanese citizens who had initially sought refuge there amid the Israel-Hezbollah war to consider returning to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency representative in Syria, noted that although the numbers are modest, they nonetheless indicate troubling trends. Approximately 560,000 individuals have crossed into Syria from Lebanon since September, with the number slightly higher according to Lebanese authorities.
Vargas Llosa highlighted that a significant portion, around 65 percent, of those entering Syria are Syrian nationals who had previously sought safety in Lebanon due to the ongoing civil war. In recent weeks, approximately 150,000 Lebanese have also migrated to Syria, reflecting an urgent humanitarian crisis. He commended the remarkable generosity of local Syrian communities in welcoming the newcomers, despite the adverse conditions they face in their own war-torn nation.
Nevertheless, the UN official cautioned that Syria’s economic situation is dire and could limit the sustainability of this generosity. The small number of Lebanese families, approximately 50 per day, who are now making the perilous journey back home reflects a grim evaluation of their circumstances. Many believe that life in Lebanon may offer better access to essential services and income, despite the ongoing conflict.
Vargas Llosa emphasized that without substantial international aid, the trend of Lebanese returning home amid these dire conditions might escalate, leading to further humanitarian concerns. Notably, there has been a decrease in the rate of arrivals into Syria recently, which Vargas Llosa attributes to the heightened fear caused by Israeli military actions in the region. He urged that these attacks cease immediately, to ensure safe passage for those fleeing conflict.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, especially following the escalation over the Gaza conflict, have created a humanitarian crisis influencing movements between Lebanon and Syria. Many Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees are caught between these conflicts, with shifting populations attempting to seek safety from violence. The impact on Lebanon’s already strained resources from past refugee influxes complicates further returns as humanitarian conditions in Syria remain critically poor due to over a decade of internal strife.
In summary, the current situation reveals a precarious balance for displaced individuals faced with life-threatening choices between returning to Lebanon or remaining in Syria under dire conditions. The international community is urged to provide assistance to prevent further destabilization in the region. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa’s assertions underline the urgency of this issue, reflecting the need for ongoing monitoring and humanitarian support as the challenges intensify in both nations, potentially leading to a larger resettlement crisis.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
