The Israeli army has launched air strikes across Lebanon since Monday, after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel late Sunday in response to US and Israeli attacks on Iran. “Conservative estimates suggest that nearly 30,000 people were hosted and registered at collective shelters,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Babar Baloch.

“Many more slept in their cars along roads or were trapped in traffic jams,” he added. The situation is worsening as the number of displaced people continues to rise. So far, 21 shelters have been opened by the Lebanese government, according to the UN World Food Programme. Many more are expected to join them in the coming days. 

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The UNHCR also reported that more Syrian refugees are moving back from Lebanon into Syria, and it is preparing contingency plans in case of further influx. Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, with around 1.5 million Syrians among a population of 4 million. Since 2011, more than 6 million Syrians have fled the country due to war, mostly to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.