100,000 Flee Lebanon for Syria Amid Israeli Air Strikes: UN

Around 100,000 people have fled Lebanon to Syria due to Israeli air strikes, with the number doubling in just two days, the United Nations’ refugee chief said on Monday.

"The number of people crossing into Syria from Lebanon to escape Israeli airstrikes—both Lebanese and Syrian nationals—has now reached 100,000," Filippo Grandi posted on X (formerly Twitter). "The exodus continues," he added, expressing concern.

Grandi stated that the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is actively stationed at four border crossings, working alongside local authorities and the Syrian Red Crescent to assist new arrivals.

The large-scale displacement into war-ravaged Syria started on September 23, according to the UNHCR, which shared updates with AFP over the weekend.

Israel has expanded its military operations in recent days, launching strikes not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, an ally of Iran in the region.

Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon resulted in the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, last Friday.

Over the past week, Israeli bombardments have claimed more than 700 lives in Lebanon, including 14 paramedics within just two days, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

By Friday, approximately 30,000 people had crossed into Syria, as per UNHCR figures.

UNHCR’s representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, reported that about 80 percent of those fleeing were Syrian nationals, with the remaining 20 percent being Lebanese.

"Most of the refugees are women and children, although some men have also crossed. Nearly half of them are children and adolescents," he informed the press.

Llosa further highlighted that those escaping the conflict were arriving in a country that has endured its own violence and economic collapse for over 13 years.

"These individuals, fleeing relentless bombardment, are arriving in Syria exhausted, traumatised, and in urgent need of assistance," he concluded.