In the wake of recent tensions, residents of Beirut's southern suburbs are exploring various contingency plans, with some considering an unexpected destination: Syria. This development comes in response to an Israeli airstrike on July 30, 2024, which targeted a Hezbollah commander in a densely populated area.
The incident, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties, has prompted many to seek safer locations. While most are opting for areas within Lebanon predominantly inhabited by Christian, Druze, or Sunni communities, a small but notable group is looking across the border to Syria.
Despite Syria's ongoing civil war, which began in 2011, many parts of the country have seen a cessation of active combat. Lebanese citizens, who enjoy visa-free travel to Syria, are finding that renting accommodations there is significantly more affordable than in Lebanon.
One resident, Zahra Ghaddar, shared her family's decision to secure a four-bedroom apartment in Aleppo for $150 per month, a stark contrast to the $700 minimum they encountered for less desirable options in Lebanon. This move reflects the economic considerations driving some decisions, especially given Lebanon's ongoing financial crisis since 2019.
The situation has historical echoes. During the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, approximately 180,000 Lebanese sought refuge in Syria. Some, like Rawad Issa's family, even purchased property there as a precautionary measure.
"That way, if another war happened, we would already have a house ready."
It's important to note that this potential migration to Syria is not widespread. According to Jasmin Lilian Diab, director of the Institute for Migration Studies at the Lebanese American University, those considering this option typically have existing networks in Syria, whether through business, family, or friends.
The current situation has not triggered a mass return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon. With approximately 775,000 Syrians registered with the UNHCR in Lebanon, and potentially hundreds of thousands more unregistered, many fear potential repercussions if they return to Syria.
As tensions persist, residents like Ghaddar emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. The situation remains fluid, with many in Beirut's southern suburbs maintaining a state of readiness while hoping for a peaceful resolution.