The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that more than 130,000 people have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the beginning of March, at a time when the number of internally displaced people in Lebanon has exceeded one million, against the backdrop of the extensive Israeli bombardment in the south of the country and other areas, and the dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The UN News Centre quoted WHO Director-General Amy Pope as saying that recent developments on the ground are "putting additional pressure on fragile communities and increasing humanitarian needs", stressing that the current situation highlights how quickly instability is affecting population mobility patterns.
Pope warned of increasing humanitarian needs as pressure mounts, stressing the need for continued international support amid the ongoing escalation. The organization also joined the UN Secretary-General's call for restraint and urgent de-escalation, emphasizing the protection of civilians, including migrants and displaced persons, and respect for international humanitarian law.
In the same context, the spokesperson of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria, Celine Schmidt, confirmed that more than 80,000 Syrians have returned to their country across the border since March 2, noting that UNHCR is working closely with the Syrian government at the central and local levels to provide the necessary support to the arrivals.