Attachments
A total of approximately 440,000 (1) people (Lebanese, Syrians and third-country nationals) are estimated to have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
It is estimated that 71 percent are Syrians and 29 percent are Lebanese and other country nationals.
Overview of Recent Developments
- At around 0230hrs this morning (Friday 25 October), Joussieh border crossing in Homs suffered an airstrike that hit around 30m away from the Syrian Immigration Office and UNHCR’s Border Post on the Syrian side. In recent days, the crossing had seen on average 500 persons daily crossing into Syria. There are no reported casualties at the time of publication. As a result of this attack, Joussieh border crossing is closed until further notice.
- At 0330hrs this morning, the road between Al-Masnaa (Lebanon) and Jdeidet Yabous (Syria) border crossings was also struck again by an airstrike, enlarging the additional crater that had made the road almost impassable following an airstrike on 22 October. This road had already been rendered unusable to vehicles following an airstrike on 4 October that had resulted in significant reduction in the number of new arrivals to Syria from Lebanon through the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing. On 24 October, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr. Adam Abdelmoula, had issued a statement calling for an “immediate end to such attacks, which pose serious risks to people fleeing danger” and stressing that “civilians must be protected at all times and wherever they are.”
- On 24 October, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees attended the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty held in Paris. In his statement, he made reference to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the current “disaster in Lebanon” both for Lebanon and Syria, calling for greater international support for the emergency appeals for both countries. He also restated the need for UNHCR to continue working with the Government of Syria to ensure the safety and security of all those arriving, and the greater support for the UN and other organizations carrying out early recovery activities in areas of return.
- On 23 October, the Abu al-Zandain internal crossing point located in eastern Aleppo near al-Bab was reopened to facilitate the safe passage for Syrians fleeing the worsening security situation in Lebanon into northern Syria.
(1) The numbers of new arrivals in this document are based on “SARC Emergency Response For Lebanese Refugees and Syrian Returnees” (issued 21 October). Figures are undergoing verification and are subject to change. Figures are cumulative until 22 October provided.