Hundreds of Thousands Flee from Lebanon to Syria Following Israeli Attacks

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria warned on Friday, November 2, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Syria is entering a catastrophic conflict that is engulfing the Middle East. According to the website of the UN Human Rights Council, this report indicates that the escalation of tensions in the region has again caused the displacement of over 300,000 Syrian refugees who have fled from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon to Syria. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria stated that this very large group, like over 100,000 Lebanese citizens, is heading to Syria, a war-torn and devastated country that has itself witnessed increasing Israeli airstrikes and is extremely unsafe. The commission pointed to the widespread humanitarian and economic crisis in Syria, adding: 'The fact that this group of Syrian refugees, who have a legitimate fear of persecution and torture in their own country, are fleeing to Syria demonstrates the impossible choice they face: whether to risk their lives under bombardment in Lebanon or return to a territory that may face deadly threats.' The report emphasized that many women and children have embarked on a dangerous journey to Syria due to evidence related to arbitrary detention and the compulsory military service of men. The commission noted that it is investigating reports of Syrian refugees who have faced abuse, detention, or extortion by armed forces at checkpoints throughout the country, stating: 'We urge all state and non-state authorities in Syria to curb such abuses by their forces as soon as possible.' The report from this international body pointed out that it is not only government-controlled areas that are unsafe, adding: 'A significant portion of Syrian territory is controlled by non-state armed groups, where civilians are at risk of facing violence and looting of their belongings.' In another section of its report, the commission referred to the inadequacy of humanitarian aid funding for Syria, stating: 'Over 13 million people, alongside those fleeing from Lebanon, are in dire need of food and other humanitarian assistance.'