The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that over 22,498 Lebanese refugees have fled to Iraq following the recent surge in hostilities in Lebanon. Iraqi authorities noted October 24 as a record-breaking day, with 1,234 Lebanese refugees arriving in a single day. The influx has been ongoing since the crisis intensified on September 27, 2024.

Refugees have been entering Iraq through multiple points, with significant numbers recorded at the Al-Qaim border crossing, which has seen 13,025 arrivals. Additionally, Baghdad Airport has received 7,883 individuals, while Najaf Airport has accounted for 1,590 arrivals.

A substantial proportion of these refugees, about 43 percent, are settling in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Others have dispersed across various governorates, including Babil, Basra, Diyala, and Ninewa, where communities are stepping up to provide support.

In response, the Iraqi federal government, alongside Shia religious authorities and the Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance of pro-Iranian groups integrated into the national security forces, have mobilized to provide urgent assistance. The Lebanese embassy in Iraq is coordinating closely with the authorities to streamline entry processes, including extended visas and the issuance of travel documents for refugees lacking passports.

The UNHCR highlights that women and children comprise 62 percent of the arrivals. For the many children among the refugees, arrangements are being made to facilitate their access to Iraqi schools, helping them maintain educational continuity during this period of displacement.

The conflict has caused large-scale displacement across Lebanon, with around 1.3 million people forced to leave their homes, and over half a million of these individuals reportedly seeking refuge in Syria, as per the UN migration agency.