Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in addressing the Syrian displacement crisis, warning that Lebanon is nearing a breaking point after more than a decade of hosting displaced Syrians.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, Gemayel said the displacement burden has become unsustainable for Lebanon, a country of just over 10,000 square kilometers and a population of around five million.

“Lebanon has become one of the most densely populated countries in the world after taking in more than 1.7 million displaced Syrians,” Gemayel said. “This represents an increase of nearly 50% relative to our native population. To grasp the scale of the crisis, imagine if France were to suddenly absorb 32 million additional people.”

The Kataeb Party chief noted that Lebanon has been grappling with the consequences of the displacement crisis for 12 years, and argued that the rationale for maintaining the status quo no longer holds.

“The justification that was used to keep displaced Syrians in Lebanon was tied to the Assad regime,” he said. “But the regime has now collapsed. So what is the excuse now? Why are they still in Lebanon?”

Gemayel urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to reassess its policies regarding displaced Syrians and place greater emphasis on repatriation efforts.

“The priority at this stage must be to facilitate the safe and dignified return of refugees to their home country,” he said. “This is not just a Lebanese issue; it concerns Jordan, Turkey, and even several European nations that are also facing the consequences of this protracted crisis.”

Lebanon has faced mounting economic and social pressure since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, with the refugee influx straining public services, deepening poverty, and fueling political tensions. Successive Lebanese governments have appealed to international donors for greater assistance and have called for long-term solutions, including refugee resettlement or return.