Iraq hosts over 16,000 Lebanese refugees amid crisis, UN says

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that over 16,000 Lebanese refugees have fled to Iraq following escalating Israeli attacks in Lebanon, adding that Syrian refugees who were in Lebanon are now also arriving in Iraq.

The report stated that 16,727 Lebanese have entered Iraq through various points, including the Al-Qaim border crossing (9,552) and the Baghdad (6,248) and Najaf (927) airports. On average, 375 Lebanese arrived daily through Al-Qaim last week.

The UNHCR also noted that 43% of new arrivals are being hosted in Holy Najaf and Karbala, while the rest are spread across central and southern provinces such as Babylon and Nineveh. The majority of refugees (62%) are women and children, with nearly half of the families led by women.

In response to the influx, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has declared that Lebanese arriving in Iraq are to be called “guests” rather than “displaced.” Iraq’s Ministry of Education has also welcomed Lebanese students into schools to avoid disrupting their education.