In response to the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon and its spillover effects into Syria, United Nations Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Ms. Najat Rochdi, convened an emergency meeting of the Humanitarian Task Force (HTF) in Geneva. 

 United Nations Field leadership and key humanitarian partners briefed members of the International Syria Support Group on the escalating displacement crisis, which has seen an influx of thousands of Syrians and Lebanese crossing into Syria.

 Hundreds of thousands of children, women, and men are fleeing for their lives, crossing into Syria on foot, gripped by overwhelming fear and anguish. Among them are Syrians who had already fled to Lebanon seeking refuge from conflict. Now, they find themselves on the road once again, in a state of terror and destitution, forced to relive the nightmare of displacement and uncertainty. 

 There must be an immediate end to the hostilities in Lebanon, a ceasefire in Gaza, and de-escalation across the region, including in Syria, in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), working toward a nationwide ceasefire. 

 Ms. Rochdi expressed grave concern about the mounting human toll in the region, as the evolving conflict in Lebanon is already having drastic consequences, and spilling over into Syria, where the population is also bearing the brunt of years of a bloody conflict, and a crushing economic crisis.

The UN has already launched a Flash Appeal for Lebanon, requesting $426 million to support one million persons. Separately, it has issued another Emergency Appeal totaling $324 million to provide protection and life-saving assistance for up to 400,000 people fleeing from Lebanon into Syria, and 80,000 host community members in Syria. With over half of those crossing being children, the UN response aims to prevent and respond to incidents of family separation, gender-based violence, and violence against children, both on the journey, and in hosting centres and communities. 

Ms. Rochdi called for urgent funding, improved access to affected populations, and stronger protections for humanitarian workers. She also raised concerns over the safety of Syrians crossing from Lebanon, with concerns of potential human rights violations.

Humanitarian partners have mobilised swiftly to provide critical assistance at border crossings, in shelters, and within host communities. However, as the crisis deepens, the demand for life-saving aid—including food, medicine, shelter, and protection—is expected to grow significantly.

Ms. Rochdi urged countries to use their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and support de-escalation efforts. Further bloodshed must be avoided, and humanitarian assistance must remain depoliticised. People fleeing violence and atrocities need protection.

The United Nations remains in solidarity with frontline workers and the affected civilian population, reaffirming its commitment to supporting those suffering from this rapidly unfolding crisis.