The UN human rights body says the escalating conflict in southwestern Syria has caused nearly 270-thousand people to be displaced. <br /> Last week the UNHCR put the number at 160-thousand.<br />Over the past two weeks Syrian and Russian-backed forces have stepped up their offensive against rebel-held areas in the border region between Syria, Israel and Jordan.<br />Both Israel and Jordan have closed their borders to Syrian refugees, but are providing humanitarian aid.<br /> Meanwhile, the European Commission has awarded an additional 45.6 million euros in emergency aid to help Spain and Greece deal with an incoming influx of refugees.<br />About 20 million euros will be given to Greece through the UNHCR to improve conditions for new arrivals, particularly on the island of Lesvos.<br />The rest will be given to Spain, which is expected to get increased arrivals along its southern coast. <br />
