Beirut: The UN relief chief warned on Thursday of a possible 'occupation' in southern Lebanon as he said 200,000 refugees and displaced people have fled from Lebanon to Syria in recent weeks amid Israeli attacks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tom Fletcher reported to the UN Security Council that approximately 200,000 individuals have crossed the border from Lebanon into Syria over the past three to four weeks. Among these, 175,000 are Syrians returning home, while around 25,000 are Lebanese and Palestinians seeking refuge.

Fletcher described the deteriorating humanitarian situation, highlighting that 'one in five people in Lebanon is displaced right now' due to Israel's military operations and Hezbollah's retaliatory rocket attacks. He expressed concern over the extensive destruction and the forced displacement occurring, cautioning that statements from certain Israeli ministers indicate a genuine risk of a renewed occupation in southern Lebanon.

He further expressed concern over the conflict's trajectory, suggesting that it could be prolonged. Even if the broader war subsides, Fletcher warned that hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah might persist, potentially creating significant humanitarian challenges for Lebanon and the broader region.

The escalation of conflict began after Hezbollah initiated cross-border attacks on Israel following the commencement of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28, leading to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations throughout Lebanon. Lebanese authorities have reported that nearly 1,318 people have been killed and 3,935 injured in the ongoing Israeli offensive.