Over 420,000 people flee from Lebanon to Syria amid Israeli strikes, UN reports

Over 420,000 people, including 310,000 Syrians and 110,000 Lebanese, have fled from Lebanon to Syria as Israeli air and ground assaults escalate, the United Nations reported on Friday.

The exodus comes as the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and Syria worsens daily, according to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office.

Growing displacement amid intensified strikes

Shamdasani, speaking at the U.N.’s weekly briefing in Geneva, highlighted that Israel‘s recent airstrikes have increasingly targeted densely populated areas of Beirut, killing hundreds and displacing over 1 million people across Lebanon. The Israeli bombardments have been in response to continued rocket fire from Hezbollah and other armed groups.

Beirut under heavy fire

Shamdasani noted that Thursday night saw one of the heaviest bombardments of central Beirut to date, with the Lebanese Health Ministry confirming at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. The U.N. reminded all parties of their responsibility to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

Mass exodus into Syria

From Sept. 23 to Oct. 9, more than 420,000 people fled Lebanon for Syria, many of them seeking safety from the ongoing conflict. Shamdasani emphasized that most of these displaced individuals face dire conditions, with many forced to leave their homes behind.

UN calls for protection of peacekeepers

Shamdasani also expressed concern over Israel’s recent strikes near U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, stating that Israel has a responsibility to ensure the safety of U.N. personnel. She criticized statements implying that UNIFIL’s security could not be guaranteed, calling them “unfortunate.”