Palestinian Refugee Status in Syria: Historical Context Meets Post-Assad Uncertainty

A recent tweet by Yardena Schwartz on July 12, 2025, highlighted a perceived monumental shift for Palestinians in Syria. Schwartz stated, > "This is massive. For the first time since 1948 - when Palestinians fled to Syria as a result of the war in which Syria and 4 other Muslim states invaded the newly born Jewish state - Palestinians living in Syria will finally have some of the rights that come from being residents, no longer forced into being permanent refugees." This sentiment reflects a hopeful outlook on the future legal standing of this long-displaced population.

Historically, Syria has maintained a unique legal framework for Palestinian refugees compared to many other Arab nations. Law No. 260 of 1956 granted Palestinian refugees who arrived in 1948 and their descendants extensive civic rights, including permanent residency, freedom of movement, the right to work, and access to public services, largely akin to Syrian citizens. However, they were excluded from voting, holding public office, or owning agricultural land. Palestinians who arrived after 1956 were typically granted renewable residence permits.

The political landscape in Syria underwent a significant transformation on December 8, 2024, with the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the establishment of a new caretaker administration. This dramatic shift has introduced considerable uncertainty regarding the future legal status and living conditions for all residents, including Palestinian refugees. Muhammad Badr, head of the Agency for Palestinian Affairs in northern Syria, described the current situation as "unclear," with the status of Palestinians expected to "for the time being remain the same, awaiting a clearer outlook."

Amidst this transition, the humanitarian situation for Palestinian refugees in Syria remains dire. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)'s 2025 appeal, thousands are internally displaced, with many living below the poverty line and facing severe food insecurity. UNRWA continues to provide essential services, including cash assistance, healthcare, and education, grappling with significant funding challenges and widespread destruction of infrastructure in refugee camps like Yarmouk.

Schwartz's tweet also expressed a broader hope that "other Arab nations that have denied these rights to the very people they claim to support, follow suit." This aspiration underscores the long-standing disparity in the treatment of Palestinian refugees across the region. While Syria's historical policies offered more integration than many other host countries, the current political fluidity in Damascus means the path forward for Palestinian residency and citizenship rights remains complex and uncertain.