Intensified Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon have claimed the lives of 45 Syrian refugees in the past 24 hours, with 23 more deaths reported on 24 September. The escalating conflict has raised concerns over the plight of refugees caught in the crossfire.
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has expressed its readiness to support Syrian refugees seeking to return to their homeland. In a statement released on 25 September, AANES highlighted the increasing hardship faced by displaced Syrians in Lebanon, compounded by the protracted crisis in Syria, now in its second decade.
The authority stressed the importance of the right to return for all displaced individuals, calling on all parties to take immediate steps to facilitate this process. The statement emphasised the need for urgent action to ensure the safe return of those who wish to go back to their original homes in Syria.
To address the crisis, AANES has established a committee in Lebanon to manage refugee affairs and provide relief to those affected by the conflict. This initiative includes setting up channels to coordinate the repatriation of displaced Syrians from Lebanon to North and East Syria.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the AANES reiterated that refugee return is a basic human right and urged rapid measures to ensure their safety. The organisation has raised alarms about the escalating risks facing refugees, particularly those enduring harsh living conditions in Lebanon.
While the exact number of refugees opting to return is unclear, reports from Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Homs suggest that about 100 individuals recently crossed into Syria illegally from the Wadi Khaled area. Local media reports indicate that approximately 3,000 Syrians have returned from Lebanon, with around 2,000 Lebanese citizens crossing into Syria via the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing. More are reportedly awaiting processing.
In response to the influx, the Homs governorate has dispatched a team to provide vital supplies and strengthen medical support at the border. The Syrian Red Crescent has also deployed volunteers to key crossings, offering medical aid to both Lebanese and Syrian families fleeing Lebanon.
Concerns are growing about the safety of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, many of whom are living in dire conditions and face high rental costs. Reluctance to return to regime-held areas persists due to fears of arbitrary arrests and retaliation from security services, particularly for those opposing the Assad regime.
Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated, the number of Syrian refugees killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon has reached 79, including 10 women and 16 children, with another 21 injured. The violence has compounded the already appalling conditions faced by many refugees.
Meanwhile, in Majdal Shams, located in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, a recent massacre claimed the lives of 12 civilians, mostly children. The attack has sparked a blame game between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with both sides denying responsibility.
