Iraq welcomes hundreds of Lebanese refugees amid Lebanon's crisis

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced on Thursday that it has welcomed 686 Lebanese refugees who have arrived in Iraq through the Al-Qa'im border crossing over the past three days. The influx comes as Lebanon continues to face severe political and economic turmoil, prompting many to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Ali Jihangir, the spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the majority of Lebanese citizens entering Iraq have come via Syria through the Al-Qa'im border. "Lebanese citizens can only enter Iraq by land through Syria and the Al-Qa'im border crossing," Jihangir explained, emphasizing the route as the primary access point.

In addition to those arriving by land, other Lebanese refugees have entered Iraq through Baghdad and Najaf airports. The spokesperson noted that the number of arrivals is expected to increase in the coming days as Lebanon’s crisis worsens.

Unlike previous refugee movements, Iraq has not set up camps for these new arrivals. "Those who have come to Iraq are staying in hotels, motels, or with relatives," Jihangir added. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation but has yet to announce any long-term plans for resettlement or additional support.

The recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, starting in early October 2024, is closely related to the wider conflict involving Hamas. A major attack by Hamas on October 7 triggered retaliatory air and ground attacks by Israel on Gaza. Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, fired rockets into the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms area in response. Since then, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified.

On Sept. 27, an Israeli airstrike targeted a meeting of Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon, killing Nasrallah and several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders.