Syrian Refugees Flee Lebanon Amid Israeli Airstrikes on Hezbollah

Syrian Refugees Flee Lebanon Amid Israeli Airstrikes

Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon have triggered a massive exodus of civilians. In the past three days alone, more than 100,000 people, including both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees, have gathered at the Lebanon-Syria border in the Bekaa Valley. The majority of those fleeing are Syrian refugees, who initially sought asylum in Lebanon due to the Syrian Civil War.

Fleeing from Conflict Zones

Thousands of people from southern Lebanon and southern Beirut have made their way to the Syrian border in response to Israeli air raids. The looming threat of a potential Israeli ground invasion has created a tense atmosphere. Ashraf Wani, the only Indian journalist on the ground in Lebanon, has reported the movement of thousands of people heading toward Syria.

Challenges Facing Syrian Refugees

One refugee, Mohammed Hamad, shared his story of escaping to Lebanon in 2021 due to the war in Syria. However, with ongoing Israeli strikes, Lebanon no longer feels like a safe haven. Many refugees like him now find themselves returning to Syria in search of safety.

Hezbollah’s Role and Syrian Support

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, played a crucial role in supporting the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War. Now, Assad’s government is reciprocating by offering refuge to displaced Lebanese civilians and Syrian migrants. Meanwhile, some people in Syria have been celebrating the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, blaming him for the deaths and instability in the region.

Lebanese Government’s Diplomatic Stand

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed the nation in a televised speech, stating that the only solution to Israeli aggression was through diplomatic means. On the other hand, Israel has vowed to dismantle Hezbollah, citing its continued attacks on Israeli territory as part of its support for Hamas in Gaza.