More than 120,000 Lebanese refugees have crossed into Syria since the start of the conflict in Lebanon, and the numbers continue to increase daily. While some of the refugees stayed in hotels or with relatives, others had to be accommodated with volunteer hosts or in schools and mosques. Many Syrians have privately expressed concern over the potential impact the new influx of refugees would have on their country’s economy. Syria already hosts some 420,000 Palestinian refugees.
Sources: Lamia Radi, “Syrian border post flooded by refugees," Dawn, 25 July 2006; Katherine Zoepf, “Discontent in Syria as more neighbors drop in," New York Times, 26 July 2006