Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have forced more than 1.2 million people to flee their homes, according to the UNHCR. Those that remain are taking cover in overcrowded shelters or on the streets where air strikes are still ongoing. Many Lebanese are escaping to Syria, along with previously displaced Syrians, returning to war-torn regions that have few resources. Meanwhile, Gaza remains in a state of serious humanitarian crisis, with famine-like conditions exacerbated by Israeli blockades and military operations.
John Thon Majok, Director of the Wilson Center’s Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI), provides insight into the worsening refugee crises in the region. He explains the extent of the crises, how neighboring countries—Syria, Egypt, and Jordan—are responding, the immediate humanitarian needs, and how the international community should respond.