A massive exodus of over 100,000 people, including Lebanese and Syrian nationals, has crossed the border from Lebanon into Syria to escape Israeli airstrikes.
The UN refugee agency’s chief, Filippo Grandi, reported the escalating number of refugees in a post on X on Monday.
The UNHCR, in collaboration with local authorities and the Syrian Red Crescent, is working at four crossing points to assist the displaced individuals.
Lebanon already hosts around 1.5 million Syrian refugees who fled the ongoing conflict in Syria, which began in 2011.
The recent surge in refugees from Lebanon is a direct result of Israel’s intensified military operations against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has launched numerous air raids on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions and civilian areas, resulting in over 700 deaths in the past week.
Israel’s offensive in Lebanon aims to secure the return of tens of thousands of Israeli civilians to their homes in northern Israel.
The escalating conflict has created a humanitarian crisis in the region, forcing thousands to flee their homes and seek safety across the border.
