Over 277,000 flee Lebanon into Syria amid escalating hostilities, UN says

DAMASCUS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- More than 277,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since early March amid escalating regional tensions and cross-border violence, straining already limited resources in the war-torn country, the United Nations refugee agency said Wednesday.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 277,000 people entered Syria between March 2 and April 12. Among them, about 234,000 were Syrians, including about 67,300 intending to return permanently, and roughly 43,000 Lebanese nationals.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic expressed concern over the impact on stability and human rights in the country, noting that many arrivals are already traumatized by years of war in Syria and recent shelling in Lebanon.

The commission said that the growing number of returnees and displaced people is further stretching Syria's fragile infrastructure and limited humanitarian capacity, as millions across the country continue to rely on aid.

It also highlighted the broader impact of regional violence, pointing to Israeli attacks, incursions, checkpoints, detention practices, and destruction of property affecting lives and livelihoods in southern Syria.

The commission said it continues to investigate alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and will report its findings in due course.

It urged all parties involved in the conflict to intensify efforts to end hostilities and ensure that civilian protection and human rights remain central to ongoing negotiations.

Despite signs of gradual recovery in parts of Syria, UN officials warned that continued instability risks undermining progress and increasing humanitarian needs across the country.