Palestinians in Syria: History, Legal Status, and the Impact of Conflict
The Palestinian community in Syria represents a significant population of people of Palestinian origin, the majority of whom arrived following the 1948 Palestinian expulsion and flight. For decades, this community has navigated a complex existence, balancing integration into Syrian society with the preservation of a distinct Palestinian identity while remaining largely stateless.
While many Palestinians in Syria enjoy rights similar to those of Syrian nationals, they face systemic barriers regarding nationality and land ownership. The situation has been further exacerbated by the Syrian Civil War, which has led to massive displacement and a humanitarian crisis for those remaining.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Population: Approximately 475,173 people of Palestinian origin were recorded in 2009.
- Legal Status: Most are treated as stateless refugees and cannot obtain Syrian nationality except in rare cases.
- Primary Support: Managed jointly by the General Authority for Palestine Arab Refugees (GAPAR) and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
- War Impact: As of 2019, nearly 4,000 Palestinians were killed in the Syrian conflict.
- Displacement: Over 160,000 Palestinian Syrians have fled to neighboring countries or the European Union since 2011.
Historical Origins and Settlement
At the conclusion of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, an estimated 70,000 Palestinian refugees entered Syria. These individuals fled from northern districts including Safad, Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Tiberias, Nazareth, and Tyrus. They arrived via various routes, including through Lebanon, Jordan, or directly from the Golan Heights.
To manage this influx, the Syrian government passed Law no. 450 in January 1949. This legislation explicitly stated that refugees would not be nationalized. Instead, it created the Palestine Arab Refugee Institution (PARI), later succeeded by the General Authority for Palestine Arab Refugees (GAPAR). GAPAR was tasked with registration, relief, and employment assistance.
Parallel to national efforts, the United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) on December 8, 1949. UNRWA provides critical relief programs funded by the UN regular budget and voluntary contributions.
Population Growth and Migration Waves
The Palestinian population in Syria grew through several waves of migration:
- 1948: Initial settlement of 85,000 to 100,000 refugees.
- 1967: Approximately 4,200 refugees fled the Quneitra Governorate in the Golan Heights.
- 1970: An influx of refugees fleeing Jordan following the events of Black September.
- 1982: Several thousand refugees arrived from Lebanon during the 1982 Lebanon War.
By 1989, the population reached 296,508, growing to 366,493 by the end of 1998. As of 2002, over 111,000 refugees resided in a network of nine official and three unofficial camps.
Legal Rights and Citizenship
The treatment of Palestinians in Syria is guided by the 1965 Casablanca Protocol of the Arab League. This framework grants Palestinians the right to employment on par with citizens, the right to travel documents, and the right to leave and return to their state of residence.
Rights and Restrictions
Palestinians in Syria possess several civil rights, including the ability to lease properties, join unions, and operate multiple businesses. They are also eligible for conscription into the Syrian Armed Forces.
However, significant restrictions remain:
- Nationality: Children born in Syria to Palestinian fathers are considered Palestinian, not Syrian. Syrian citizenship is only granted in very limited cases, such as the absence or statelessness of the father.
- Property: Unlike Syrian nationals, Palestinians cannot own more than one home or purchase arable land.
- Political Rights: They cannot vote or run for office in the Presidency or the People's Assembly of Syria.
Recent administrative changes have further complicated their status. Resolution No. 1011 of 2022 reclassified refugees as foreigners, impacting inheritance rights. Furthermore, in July 2025, civil registry offices began replacing the term "Palestinian Syrian" with "Palestinian resident," listing them as "foreigners" rather than assigning them to a governorate.
Impact of the Syrian Civil War
The conflict that began in 2011 has devastated the Palestinian community, turning many into "refugees for the second time." Many have faced sieges in their own camps, most notably the Yarmouk Camp in Damascus, which was besieged until 2018, leading to mass starvation and the displacement of over 100,000 people.
The human cost has been severe. By 2019, 3,987 Palestinians were killed, including 467 women and 200 children. Additionally, 1,651 were detained and over 300 remain unaccounted for.
Displacement and Humanitarian Need
UN estimates indicate that at least 120,000 Palestinians were displaced from Syria since 2011. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor reports that over 160,000 have left the country, with nearly 80,000 migrating to Europe, 57,276 to neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, and 7,000 to Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
For those remaining, the need for aid is critical. UNRWA reports that 95% of the remaining 438,000 Palestinians require sustained humanitarian assistance. UNRWA's funding is distributed across education (54%), health (17%), support services (16%), relief/social services (9%), and infrastructure (4%).
| Governorate | Total Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Damascus | 326,355 | 68.7% |
| Quneitra | 41,350 | 8.7% |
| Aleppo | 36,235 | 7.6% |
| Daraa | 28,776 | 6.1% |
| Homs | 21,999 | 4.6% |
| Latakia | 10,768 | 2.3% |
| Hama | 9,226 | 1.9% |
| Deir ez-Zor | 464 | 0.1% |
| Total | 475,173 | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Palestinians in Syria become Syrian citizens?
Generally, no. Syrian Law no. 450 and subsequent policies have maintained that Palestinian refugees cannot be nationalized. Citizenship is only granted in very rare and limited circumstances, such as when a father is absent or stateless.
What is the difference between refugees who arrived before and after 1956?
Refugees who arrived in Syria before 1956 typically receive treatment equivalent to Syrian nationals in terms of health, education, and employment. Those who arrived after 1956 are generally treated as foreigners.
What is the role of UNRWA in Syria?
UNRWA provides essential humanitarian services, including education for 45,000 students daily, healthcare, and emergency relief. It works alongside GAPAR to administer refugee camps.
How has the Syrian Civil War affected Palestinian refugees?
The war has caused massive displacement, with thousands killed or detained. Many have become "twice refugees," fleeing their camps in Syria to seek asylum in neighboring Arab states or Europe.
What are the restrictions on property ownership for Palestinians?
Unlike Syrian citizens, Palestinians are prohibited from owning more than one home and are not permitted to purchase arable land.