Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes could result in the largest wave of displacement in Lebanon’s history, with up to one million people forced to flee their homes. “This could be the biggest displacement Lebanon has ever seen,” Mikati said in a televised address, emphasising that diplomacy remains the only viable solution for his country. The announcement follows ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have already caused significant civilian displacement.
Ziad Makary, Lebanon’s Minister of Information, confirmed during a cabinet meeting that diplomatic communication with Israel is ongoing. “It is certain that the Lebanese government wants a ceasefire, and everyone knows that Netanyahu went to New York based on the premise of a ceasefire, but the decision was made to assassinate Nasrallah,” Makary said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, said that approximately 200,000 people have already been displaced within Lebanon, while 50,000 others have fled to neighbouring Syria. The World Food Programme has launched an emergency food operation, delivering aid to more than 66,000 people. “Lebanon is at a breaking point and cannot endure another war,” warned Corinne Fleischer, the WFP’s regional director.
The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has also stepped in to assist those fleeing the conflict, establishing a crisis task force to facilitate the safe resettlement of Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon. Gulistan Elî, Deputy Co-chair of AANES’s Foreign Relations Office, stated that the task force would oversee the reception of refugees at the border and ensure they are safely reunited with relatives in the region. The AANES also plans to provide special housing facilities for those without family in the area.
Elî called on international organisations and the Syrian government to support this effort, urging the reopening of the Al-Yaarubiyah (Til Koçer) border crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid and refugee movement.
In response to the displacement crisis, Lebanon’s army has been mobilised to safeguard national unity and prevent civil unrest, while efforts continue to provide essential humanitarian support to those affected.
