Over 120,000 Syrian Refugees Return from Lebanon Amid Fragile Ceasefires

Over 120,000 Syrian Refugees Return from Lebanon Amid Fragile Ceasefires
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More than 120,000 Syrian refugees returned from Lebanon to their hometowns in Syria during the first four months of 2026, according to official figures. The return flows coincide with fragile ceasefires between the US and Iran, and between Hezbollah and Israel since early April.

Currently, 490,424 Syrian refugees remain registered with the UN in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities estimate that nearly 1.12 million people fled Syria during the 2011–2024 civil war. Syrian border officials reported that 1.26 million people entered Syria from Lebanon since January, contributing to a total of over 3.4 million border crossings across all entry points in the same period.

The Jousieh crossing has become a major transit hub for returnees, many of whom face economic pressures and stricter residency rules in Lebanon. Authorities stress that the return process is ongoing and heavily influenced by the regional security situation.