UN warns Syria aid crisis worsening as refugees return amid regional instability

The United Nations says more than 390,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since Israeli bombardments began in March, with tens of thousands returning in the past month alone.

Many of those returning had originally fled Syria during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad. Following the collapse of his government in late 2024, Syrians have increasingly begun returning home as security conditions gradually stabilize.

But UN officials warn that humanitarian funding is falling far short of what is needed to support the growing number of returnees. The UN says it has received only a fraction of the billions required this year to assist millions of Syrians in need of aid.

Humanitarian agencies have already been forced to reduce emergency food assistance and suspend major support programs, including bread subsidies relied upon by millions. The situation is also being worsened by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed up food and fuel prices across the region.

The UN is urging the international community to increase support as Syria faces mounting economic and humanitarian pressure during a fragile period of recovery.

Al Jazeera's Gabriel Elizondo reports from the United Nations, New York

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