Palestinian Refugees

“Palestinian refugees” refers to Palestinians who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (also called the Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic), and their descendants. Here’s an overview of the issue:

Origins of the Palestinian Refugee Issue

1948 War: When the State of Israel was established in 1948, war broke out between the new state and surrounding Arab countries.

Around 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes.

1967 War: A second major wave of displacement happened during the Six-Day War, when Israel occupied the West Bank,

Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Another estimated 300,000 Palestinians were displaced.

#WestBank

#GazaStrip

Number of Refugees

Today, there are more than 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees (2023 data) according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

These refugees and their descendants live primarily in:

• Jordan (over 2 million)

• Lebanon

• Syria

• West Bank

• Gaza Strip

#Jordan

#Lebanon

#Syria

#WestBank

#GazaStrip

#OsloPeaceAccord

Status and Conditions

Most Palestinian refugees do not have citizenship in their host countries (except in Jordan).

In places like Lebanon and Syria, they face restrictions in employment, property ownership, and access to services.

Many live in refugee camps—urban or semi-urban areas managed by UNRWA, though they often resemble impoverished neighborhoods rather than tent cities.

Right of Return

A central political issue: Palestinians claim the right to return to their original homes in what is now Israel.

Israel opposes a mass return, arguing it would alter the country’s Jewish demographic character

.

The “Right of Return” is supported by UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948), which says that refugees wishing to return and live in peace should be permitted to do so.

Role of UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was created in 1949.

It provides education, healthcare, food assistance, and housing to Palestinian refugees in its areas of operation.

UNRWA is a unique agency: it’s the only UN agency dedicated to a specific refugee group.

#UNRWA

Current Relevance

The refugee issue remains a core obstacle to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Refugees in Gaza and elsewhere have been especially affected by repeated wars and economic crises.

Some host countries have pushed for the resettlement or integration of refugees, but many Palestinians insist on the right to return.

Would you like a more detailed look at a specific aspect—like legal arguments, historical maps, camp conditions, or political negotiations?