Mass return: How Israeli strikes made Syrian refugees leave Lebanon

The recent Israeli air-strikes on Lebanon triggered an un-expected mass movement: hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees heading back home. These people who escaped their war-torn country around 13 years ago now face a difficult choice - staying in conflict-affected Lebanon or returning to Syria

For Lebanese government officials this large-scale departure brings some relief despite the harsh reality of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict (which already caused over 3000 deaths and forced 1.2 million Lebanese to leave their homes). The situation creates a rare silver-lining in these troubling times; as the countrys resources were stretched thin by hosting refugees for many years

The Syrian government sees this un-planned return as an opportunity: they hope it might lead to more international aid and possible lifting of western-imposed restrictions. The mass movement back to Syria started after Israels september bombing campaign which affected many areas in Lebanon where refugees lived. Most of these people didnt want to go back initially but now they dont see other options

• More than 3000 deaths in Lebanon due to conflict
• Around 1.2 million Lebanese displaced
• Hundreds of thousands of Syrians returning home

This massive refugee movement shows how regional conflicts can have un-expected effects on population movements - forcing people to make hard choices between different kinds of uncertainty