A total of approximately 469,000* 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.
* The numbers of new arrivals in this document are based on “SARC Emergency Response For Lebanese Refugees and Syrian Returnees” (issued 28 October) and daily updates from UNHCR Border Posts. Figures are undergoing verification and are subject to change. Figures are cumulative until 28 October provided
Recent Developments
- The Masnaa border crossing suffered another attack on the morning of 29 October where the existing crater was hit by another airstrike. However, this did not appear to deter those intending to cross into Syria as the Jdeidet Yabous crossing point actually experienced an uptick in the number of new arrivals.
- The Joussieh border crossing resumed operation on 29 October after the airstrike hit an informal crossing point located within 2km. However, number of arrivals remained very small. The flow of arrivals at Dabbousieh and Jesr Al Qamar remained steady at an average of 500 persons crossing into Syria per day (through both border crossings).
- These attacks occur amidst media reports of Israeli minister Gideon Sa'ar's suggestion that steps may be taken against Syria if it does not halt the transfer of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah.
- As of 29 October, 18,100 households/96,771 individuals have arrived in northeastern Syria, with Ar-Raqqa, Deir-ez Zor and Al-Hassakeh the top intended governorates.
- On 29 October, traffic resumed at the Aoun Al Dadat crossing point in Manbij following recent closures following an escalation of airstrikes by Turkish forces in the area. Families who were stranded at the Al-Tayha crossing points were reported escorted by non-Government forces as they passed the crossing point into the northwest.
- Meanwhile, protests by local residents and activists against the opening of the Abu Al-Zandin crossing in eastern Aleppo continued through an organised sit-in on the M4 highway.
- On 30 October, the Council of Ministers has extended until 15 November the suspension of Decision No. 46/2020 and its amendments, which require the exchange of US$ 100 by Syrian nationals entering Syria, for all crossings at the borders and ports shared with Lebanon only.
- The first “operations room” meeting in Deir ez-Zor Governorate was convened, with participation from the Governor's Office and local authorities, sub-sector coordinators, UN Agencies and other local NGOs. UNHCR and OCHA provided briefings on the response thus far and presented the Sectoral Needs Assessment ("SYNAT") and modalities for implementation. The Governor's representatives confirmed that there was no need for further approvals to conduct the assessment as long as it is carried out by SARC.
- UNHCR convened the second “protection working group for the emergency response in Latakia and Tartous” meeting to discuss the protection response both within and outside of the hosting centres, during which participants were briefed about the ongoing protection response and practical challenges (such as the lack of safe spaces for case management) were discussed. UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA agreed to arrangea meeting with the Directorate of Social Affairs in both Latakia and Tartous to strengthen coordination between stakeholders. UNHCR also continues to advocate with the Government to permit dissemination of key messages on PSEA outside of UN and partners’ premises – like the hosting centres.
- Approvals have also been received from respective Governors of Idleb, Homs Hama and Latakia to proceed with SYNAT. An official letter requesting a similar approval is pending with the office of the Governor of Tartous.
- Meanwhile, the Governors of Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hassakeh approved the rolling out of joint-interagency assessments, on condition that the outcomes from these assessments are shared with their respective offices before any interventions are planned and implemented.