Lebanon and Jordan are currently engaged in negotiations with Syrian authorities to address a new decision that bans non-Syrian trucks from entering Syrian markets loaded with goods. This decision has resulted in a significant pile-up of approximately 500 Lebanese trucks at the Al-Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, with truck drivers and owners expressing their concerns over the financial implications of this ban. As they await resolution, these drivers are pushing their government to address the situation swiftly to protect their interests.

The truck drivers and owners have been vocal about their grievances, appealing to the Lebanese government to negotiate a reciprocal agreement with Syria that would allow their trucks to enter the country. They argue that if Syrian trucks continue to be granted access to Lebanon while their own trucks are denied entry to Syria, this creates an unequal playing field that jeopardizes their livelihoods. One driver emphasized that 500 trucks typically cross into Syria daily, transporting Lebanese goods, and a refusal to negotiate could further impact their operations.

The situation at the border not only reflects the tensions in cross-border trade dynamics but also highlights the broader economic struggles faced by Lebanese truckers. With the continuation of Syrian trucks being allowed to operate freely while their counterparts remain stalled due to the ban, the affected drivers have reiterated their call for action from the Lebanese government to advocate for their rights and seek a viable solution that benefits all parties involved.