Attachments
A total of approximately 473,000* people (Lebanese, Syrians and thirdcountry nationals) are estimated to have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
It is estimated that 71 per cent are Syrians and 29 percent are Lebanese and other country nationals.
- The numbers of new arrivals in this document are based on “SARC Emergency Response For Lebanese Refugees and Syrian Returnees” (issued 1 November) and daily updates from UNHCR Border Posts. Figures are undergoing verification and are subject to change. Figures are cumulative until 29 October provided.
Recent Developments
-
On 31 October, airstrikes hit Al-Daf bridge in Qusair sub-dstrict and a building in Qusair city (150m away from a UNHCR-supported community centre). Security assessments were conducted in response to this and other recent airstrikes in Homs Governorate, following which the Area Security Coordinator suspended all missions to the Joussieh border crossing and the Qusair district until 4 November, when a further review will be conducted. The ability of UN agencies and partners, including UNHCR and SARC, to monitor and provide humanitarian support to any arrival movements into these areas will likely be impacted as a result.
-
On 1 November, the number of arrivals at the Jdaidet Yabous crossing point in Rural Damascus remained slightly lower compared with the daily average of 600 persons. The craters in the road continued to prevent the crossing of vehicles through Masnaa; most new arrivals reached Jdeidet Yabous through buses organised by SARC, and a lesser number through privately arranged transportation.
-
The flow of arrivals at Dabbousieh and Jesr Kamar border crossings in Homs continued steadily, with around 500 persons crossing daily.
-
Movement through the Joussieh crossing remained very limited over the past few days, however, following the recent airstrike on the crossing and its vicinity. In the morning of 2 November, Joussieh crossing was again attacked by an airstrike, with no casualties reported but material damage to the area, including to UNHCR’s Border Post.
-
Inflows through the Arida border crossing remain limited – including one Lebanese male who had to be transferred by SARC to Damascus due to injuries sustained from an airstrike in Lebanon. Instead, UNHCR and partners continued to observe a number of families crossing back into Lebanon, citing the poor living conditions and lack of services in Syria compared to Lebanon.
-
Rapid Needs Assessment exercises for new arrivals were rolled-out on 31 October in Homs, Hama, Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hasakeh and Deir Ez-Zor Governorates, with Aleppo, Quneitra, Tartous and Idleb scheduled for next week. As of 31 October, the number of new arrivals from Lebanon into northeast Syria is estimated to be 18,230 households (98,593 persons), with the majority arriving in Ar-Raqqa, Deir ezZor and Al Hasakeh Governorates.
-
As of 1 November, the number of Syrian new arrivals from Lebanon into northwest Syria is estimated to be 7,500 persons, including around 900 persons since 25 October. Most are reported to be in Jarablus, Idleb, Sharan, Maaret Tamsrin and Dana sub-districts.
-
The Aoun Al-Dadat and Abu Zendin internal crossings remain closed to new arrivals from Lebanon – the first due to ongoing security situation and the latter due to local protestors despite the announcement made by the de facto authorities on 22 October. The local council is reported negotiating with protestors for the latter’s opening for humanitarian grounds, but there is concern that individuals may instead seek to enter the northwest through irregular routes, thus exposing them to security and exploitation risks.