In a startling turn of events, over 374,000 individuals, including more than 90,000 Lebanese, have crossed from Lebanon into Syria between September 23 and October 2, 2023. This mass exodus is a result of intensifying Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, forcing people to seek refuge in a country still grappling with the aftermath of a 13-year civil war.
The Masnaa border crossing, the primary official entry point between Lebanon and Syria, has become a lifeline for those fleeing the conflict. However, this route is fraught with danger and uncertainty. On September 29, 2023, Israeli jets targeted the crossing, claiming it was used by Hezbollah for weapons smuggling.
Fatima al-Helali and her husband Khaled exemplify the plight of many families. Carrying their sleeping 3-year-old daughter, they left their village near Naqoura, which has endured nearly constant fire for almost a year. Their journey highlights the desperation of those seeking safety, even if it means entering a country plagued by internal displacement, economic crisis, and repressive governance.
Syria, once a transit route for Lebanese fleeing conflicts, now presents a different landscape. More than 7 million Syrians are internally displaced, and the country faces a severe economic downturn. The Syrian pound has lost over 99% of its value since the start of the civil war, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
For some, like 24-year-old Ahmad, the journey represents a return to a country they once fled. Ahmad left Deir ez-Zor, Syria's seventh-largest city, in 2015 when it was under siege by the Islamic State. Now, he faces the risk of forced conscription upon return, a major factor driving young men from Syria.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), established in 1950, reports that many arrivals lack basic resources. Around 2,600 Lebanese are staying in displacement centers in Syria, where the UNHCR is providing essential supplies. This situation underscores the economic crises affecting both countries, with over 80% of Syrians living below the poverty line as of 2023.
"Many are coming with no resources whatsoever. Not even enough for a taxi to take them to their final destinations … in a country where the infrastructure is in tatters and access to basic services is limited."
The influx of refugees into Syria raises concerns about potential communal tensions and strain on already limited resources. Additionally, there are fears that this exodus might encourage the Lebanese government to pursue illegal mass deportations of Syrian refugees once the current conflict subsides.
Human rights organizations, such as the Access Center for Human Rights established in 2018, are monitoring the situation closely. They report that some Syrians are using irregular routes to avoid security checks, risking arrest or forced disappearance upon return to Syria.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community watches with concern. The situation highlights the complex web of conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region, with civilians caught in the crossfire and forced to make impossible choices in their search for safety.