Attachments
Population Movement
- 557,000 estimated individuals who arrived in Syria from Lebanon since 24 Sep 2024
- 63% of arrivals are Syrians and 37% are Lebanese nationals
The security situation in Syria remains unpredictable due to the escalating hostilities in Lebanon. Last week, several Israeli airstrikes targeted locations across Syria, including Al Mazzeh neighbourhood in Damascus and Qudsaya city in Rural Damascus. Several deaths and injuries were reported as a result of the attacks. All UN staff were safe and accounted for.
Rural Damascus Governorate
On 18 November, over 700 individuals crossed from Lebanon through Rural Damascus’ Jdaidet Yabous crossing point. The heavy rain in the last two days resulted in sludge and muddy conditions, putting additional challenges to those crossing through the craters on the road from Masnaa (Lebanon) to Jdaidet Yabous (Syria).
The Syrian Ministry of Interior recently announced a decision to allow Syrian private cars to transport individuals from Masnaa directly into Damascus, providing more options to new arrivals seeking to enter Syria through that border crossing.
On 19 November, a UNICEF delegation visited Jdaidet Yabous to observe the operational mechanisms of humanitarian actors at the crossing point and the assistance being provided to new arrivals. UNHCR teams were present on the ground to facilitate the visit and provide information on the response at the border, including legal assistance, core relief items and transportation services.
Homs Governorate
On 18 November, some 460 individuals – predominantly fleeing hostilities in Baalbek, Hermel, Chtoura and Bekaa in Lebanon – arrived at the Dabboussieh and Jesr Qmar crossing points. The majority of those who recently arrived travelled onwards to Homs, Aleppo and Damascus. Since the airstrikes that hit near the Joussieh crossing point between 14 and 15 November, the rate of arrivals remained limited, with approximately only five families crossing through the border daily, and none after 6pm.
Tartous Governorate
On 18 November, some 90 individuals crossed from Lebanon through the Al Arida crossing point in Tartous.
Overall, there was a higher number of Lebanese arriving than Syrians during the reporting period.
Six Lebanese families (25 individuals – including two vulnerable women, one diagnosed with cancer and another elderly) who had recently arrived in Syria, returned to Lebanon. They cited challenging living conditions in Syria as their primary reason for crossing back, despite the ongoing hostilities. Others who had chosen to return to Lebanon (albeit a very small number) had done so after securing accommodation in the relatively safer northern Lebanon or stated that they wanted to stay in Lebanese collective shelters for the displaced instead of remaining in Syria. A number of those returning were observed to be elderly. Some indicated that they were returning to Lebanon briefly only to collect items needed for the winter.