The intense Israeli bombardment of Lebanon has caused an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, leaving more than 1,600 dead and one million displaced so far, many of whom are fleeing to Syria in search of safety. UN agencies operating in the region have described the situation as desperate, highlighting the suffering of civilians trapped in the midst of the conflict.
Rula Amin, in charge of communications in the Middle East for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), reported that on Friday the main border crossing to Syria was cut off after new attacks in the early morning, further complicating the escape of the displaced. Amin recounted the anguish of those trying to cross through a destroyed road, having to navigate debris on foot.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has noted that between September 21 and October 3, around 235,000 people, including 82,000 Lebanese and 152,000 Syrians, crossed the border into Syria. Additionally, the IOM director in Lebanon, Mathieu Luciano, indicated that over 400,000 people have left their homes in the past two weeks, with more than 165,000 of these displaced individuals in makeshift shelters throughout the country.
Violence has escalated since the start of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, with exchanges of fire along the Blue Line separating Lebanon from Israel leading to an Israeli invasion into Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, ground and airstrikes in the past 24 hours resulted in the death of 37 people and injuries to 151 more, according to Lebanese health authorities.
The IOM has expressed particular concern for the situation of 180,000 migrant workers who have fallen into destitution, abandoned by their employers. Many of these migrants, hailing from countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines, are in critical situations amidst the mass displacement.
Recently, a plane carrying medical supplies arrived in Beirut, which could help treat thousands of injured individuals. However, IOM officials warn that the situation could become overwhelming if the bombings continue. The World Health Organization has scheduled further shipments of supplies to address the growing health needs.
Syrian refugees returning to their country are met with precarious conditions and a lack of basic services, forcing them to make extremely difficult decisions between staying in a crisis-ridden Lebanon or returning to Syria under uncertain circumstances. Human rights experts have condemned the Israeli military campaign, warning of violations of international law and the disproportionate suffering caused by these attacks.
Finally, experts argue that Israel cannot use the difficult situation faced by displaced individuals in its own country as justification for its actions in Lebanon, urging the international community to act urgently to stop the violence and protect civilians.
via: MiMub in Spanish
