The operations for forced deportation have increased, alongside intensified raids, measures, and detentions against Syrian refugees living in Lebanon without legal documents. A security source revealed to "Asharq Al-Awsat" that "dozens of Syrian refugees have been deported in the past few days," indicating that "they are being deported after being detained at the border by the army for attempting to enter Lebanon illegally." It was noted that "after their detention, the army hands them over to the Lebanese General Security, which decides on their deportation based on a ruling from the Lebanese judiciary."
### Condemnation of Deportation Operations
The media commission of the "Progressive Socialist Party" condemned "the forced and random deportation of several Syrian refugees back to their country," calling on "military and security institutions, as well as the government, to fully adhere to the obligations of human rights principles enshrined in the Lebanese constitution and international laws." They emphasized in a statement that any "step towards returning refugees to Syria can only occur under conditions of voluntary and safe return, pending a comprehensive political solution that should clearly address the refugee issue."
### Deportation: A Good Step
Minister of Social Affairs in the caretaker government, Hector Hajjar, tweeted, saying: "With the escalating tensions between Lebanese and Syrian refugees and the increasing number of thefts and security disturbances, it is the duty of security forces to work day and night to protect the national security of the country and to enforce the laws across Lebanese territory throughout the year." He added that "this is a basic matter and should not require a political decision or permission from anyone! The Supreme Defense Council issued on 24/4/2019 a series of decisions, including the deportation of anyone entering Lebanon illegally without passing through official border crossings." Hajjar concluded: "This decision is protected by international law and is Lebanon's right to protect its territory."
### Support for Deportation
Similarly, the head of the "Change Movement," lawyer Eli Mahfoud, described the deportation of dozens of Syrians from Lebanon as an "excellent step," stating: "It should be encouraged, and the most effective procedure starts by handing over the detained offenders to the army units at the border, which will handle their removal from Lebanese territory."
Member of the "Strong Lebanon" bloc, MP George Atallah, questioned via Twitter: "What is this story that we must justify the deportation of criminals and law violators, when all refugees should be deported to their country, and we end this assault on our country, people, economy, culture, existence, and security?" He added: "In any case, any entity, whether an organization, state, embassy, or association that wishes to keep them here, should take them in, or we will send them to them."
Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khadr issued a memo assigning the "regional director of state security in Baalbek-Hermel to issue warnings to shop, restaurant, service, and investment owners, requiring them to dispense with Syrian laborers working unlawfully and without work permits, with the risk of necessary decisions being taken to close these establishments, and to inform the governorate of the results and proposals at the end of the warning period."
