A surge of refugees from Lebanon is crossing into Syria's Homs province via a makeshift footbridge after an Israeli strike incapacitated the official Jousieh border crossing. Only three operational crossings remain between the nations, which share a 233-mile border. Israeli military actions have targeted crossings at Matraba in late September and Masnaa in early October, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of using the crossings for weapon trafficking. The closure of key transit points has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, blocking essential supply routes and channels for fleeing civilians.
UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, reports that over the past month around 430,000 people have crossed into Syria from Lebanon due to intense Israeli bombardments aimed at Hezbollah. However, Lebanese sources claim the number surpasses half a million. This disruption disconnects essential agricultural areas, with the damage to crossings described by UNHCR's Rula Amin as harmful to "a main lifeline for people escaping the conflict." Ghossoun Mubarak, a refugee, called the situation "a tragedy" as she fled Baalbek with her children under dire conditions.
Local officials, like Homs' transportation director Nabil Aakoul, estimate bridge repair over the Orontes River alone will cost $2.5 million. The destruction has isolated communities reliant on cross-river trade, adding distance for villagers needing to reach Homs. Yahya Abu Youssef, residing near a damaged bridge, noted the increased travel burden locals now endure, labeling the recent strike as "inhumane" due to the broader impact on civilians and livestock. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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