Mass Exodus from Lebanon as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Intensifies

Over 30,000 people, primarily Syrians, crossed into Syria from Lebanon in the past 72 hours due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The UN refugee agency is working with Syria to manage the influx, which includes many children and adolescents.

More than 30,000 people, mainly Syrians, crossed into Syria from Lebanon in the past 72 hours, the UN refugee agency reported on Friday, as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated.

Approximately 80% of those crossing were Syrians, with the remaining 20% being Lebanese, according to Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UNHCR's representative in Syria. The majority are children and adolescents, with fewer men crossing than women.

"They are crossing from a country at war to one that has been in crisis conflict for 13 years," Vargas Llosa told a Geneva press conference, highlighting the difficult choices faced. The UNHCR is collaborating with Syria's government and partners to bolster the reception and processing of arrivals, while Syria permits Lebanese nationals to enter with adequate identification.

Lebanon hosts around 1.5 million Syrians who fled their country's civil war. Israel's foreign minister has dismissed global ceasefire calls, continuing airstrikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah, raising regional war fears in the Gaza conflict spill-over. More than 200,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict, reported the UN humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon.

Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike Heine and Timothy Heritage.

(With inputs from agencies.)