Families fleeing violence in Lebanon forced to live on the streets. Middle East crisis: 430,000 people have arrived in Syria from Lebanon Peace and security
A crisis of population displacement is unfolding in Lebanon and neighboring countries, UNHCR spokeswoman Rula Amin said at a press briefing in Geneva on Friday.
According to her, this morning Israel struck two border crossings between Lebanon and Syria. This threatens the main “lifeline” for people fleeing the conflict in Lebanon, Amin emphasized.
Humanitarian crisis
For example, the Al-Masna crossing was the main route between Syria and Lebanon, and it had already been struck twice before. According to Lebanese authorities, the Jusiya al-Qaa border crossing can no longer operate. The UNHCR expressed deep concern over these events, since people have nowhere to flee the violence. The city of Tyre, previously considered a safe place for displaced people, is now under intense shelling, Amin added.
Read also:
UN: Lebanon on the brink of humanitarian collapse
She also reported that UNHCR is working to address the most urgent needs. The Office’s staff are helping to repair buildings and install partitions in overcrowded shelters, and provide food and essential items to those in need. Amin called for increased funding so that the agency can access all those affected.
Situation in Syria and the Region
According to UNHCR, more than 430,000 people have crossed the border between Lebanon and Syria. About 70 percent of them are Syrians, the remaining 30 percent are mainly Lebanese, but among the displaced are Europeans, Palestinian refugees and representatives of other countries.
Thousands of people from Lebanon arrive in Syria.
Amin recalled that Syria has already suffered from its own conflict and a long-term crisis and cannot cope with the flow of refugees without expanding humanitarian aid. UNHCR is stepping up support at special centres for arrivals from Lebanon.
The conflict is also having repercussions for other countries in the region, a UNHCR spokeswoman said. Some 19,000 Lebanese have arrived in Iraq, where the situation on the ground also remains difficult.
Peacekeeper Safety
Meanwhile, peacekeepers continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and report to the Security Council despite a sharp escalation of violence in recent weeks, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement released on Friday.
According to the statement, since early October, peacekeepers have observed ground clashes, as well as rocket attacks from Lebanon and air and artillery strikes from Israel.
Despite the fact that UNIFIL has taken measures to protect its personnel, the security situation remains extremely difficult, the mission emphasized.
UNIFIL reported that early in the morning of October 23, two medical teams that were in Yarin to evacuate a patient came under fire from an unknown source. One vehicle was damaged and had to be abandoned at the scene. Later that evening, a medical facility at the UNIFIL position in Beit Leif was hit by a shell or rocket of unknown origin.
Later, two shells, also of unknown origin, landed near the UNIFIL position in Kafer Shuba, damaging residential premises and shelters.
Fortunately, no peacekeepers were injured in these incidents, UNIFIL said, reminding the parties to the conflict of their obligation to avoid actions that endanger UN personnel and civilians.