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A total of approximately 100,000 people (both Lebanese and Syrians) are estimated to have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
It is estimated that around 60 per cent are Syrians and 40 per cent are Lebanese nationals.
Overview of Developments
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The mass inflow of Syrians returnees and Lebanese refugees that took place throughout 28 September following the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon continued into 29 September, most visibly at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing.
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On 29 September, the Government of Syria announced a one-week waiver of the exchange of USD 100.00 normally required of each Syrian when entering Syria (Council of Minister’s decision No. 12147/1). The feeling of relief was palpable amongst the Syrian crowds, many of whom were exhausted after hours of waiting, some for days, for a resolution to this blockage to their entry. This has had a significant positive impact.
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There was a striking number of young children amongst the new arrivals. Some 60 per cent of those crossing the border points were reportedly under the age of 18.
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Many medical emergencies occurred, most of which was the consequence of exhaustion and dehydration from the long journey. One additional immigration centre was operationalized to address this concern.
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To provide additional resting space for new arrivals at the Jdaidet Yabous border crossing point, UNHCR and SARC erected a Rub-hall on 28 September and another on 29 September.
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UNHCR and its partners continue to scale up assistance for the new arrivals, distributing relief items, food, and water, among others, to those arriving at the border crossings. Furthermore, UNHCR arranges transportation for extremely vulnerable families (Syrians and Lebanese) from the border to their destinations in Syria. On 29 September, approximately 2,500 vulnerable individuals received transportation support. UNHCR is scaling up the transportation capacity.
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In Homs, Hama, Tartous, Aleppo, Damascus, and Rural Damascus Governorates, new arrivals are primarily being hosted by relatives and communities. Some Syrian local communities are also offering shelter and other support to Lebanese refugees.
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Collective shelters are being established by the Government at the destinations to allow a small number of destitute Lebanese to stay.
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At the destinations of new arrivals, UNHCR and its partners are now accelerating provision of support to both the new arrivals and host communities to pre-empt the resulting additional strain. On 29 September, UNHCR handed over relief items to the Governor of Rural Damascus to ease the burdens on the local Syrian communities who are hosting the new arrivals.