In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Hezbollah has pledged to continue its armed struggle against Israel following the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 29, 2024. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's second-in-command, stated that the group is prepared for a prolonged conflict and is ready to confront any ground operations initiated by Israel.
Qassem emphasized their solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, asserting, "We will continue our fight against Israel to support our brothers in Gaza and protect Lebanon." The group has not yet announced a successor to Nasrallah but indicated that a new secretary-general will be chosen soon.
As a result of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes, the UNHCR reported that around 100,000 individuals have fled from Lebanon to neighboring Syria. This includes approximately 60,000 Syrians who had previously sought refuge in Lebanon due to earlier conflicts, and 40% of the fleeing population are Lebanese nationals. The number of refugees has reportedly doubled since Nasrallah's death.
Most refugees are using the border crossing located 70 kilometers from Beirut to reach Syria's capital, Damascus. However, the Syrian government has imposed a requirement for refugees to exchange at least $100 into Syrian pounds, causing significant delays and long waits at the border. Many refugees lack the necessary funds, prompting the UN to announce a temporary suspension of this requirement.
The UNHCR has raised concerns about the urgent needs of the refugees, particularly regarding access to clean water and medical assistance, as many are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. Reports indicate that 60% of those fleeing are children and young adults under the age of 18.