Exclusive to QNN: The Hidden Tragedy of Palestinians Enforced Disappearance in Assad’s Syria
Damascus (Quds News Network)- The director of the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria, Fayez Abu Eid, has told Quds News Network that around 50 Palestinian detainees have been released from Syrian regime prisons since the start of the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation on October 27. The actual number of releases is likely higher, but chaos and restricted access to Syrian prisons have hindered accurate documentation.
Abu Eid reported that 3,085 Palestinians have been arrested in Syria since 2011, including 127 women. Hundreds of detainees have died under torture, with 37 women among the victims. Additionally, 135 Palestinians were executed in field trials, and 252 children lost their lives due to events following the Syrian revolution.
The true number of missing Palestinians is estimated at 10,000. Efforts to identify detainees are ongoing, with 100 new names documented in the last two days alone. Families often remain silent due to fear of reprisal or lack of trust in legal and media organizations.
The released detainees include individuals from the West Bank cities of Nablus and Jenin, who had been missing for 40 years, and Palestinians from refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan detained during visits to Syria before the revolution. Many faced charges of opposing the regime, including allegations of affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Syrian prisons, particularly Saydnaya and Branch 251 in Damascus, have subjected detainees to severe torture. According to Abu Eid, prisoners in Branch 251 were reportedly killed and their bodies dissolved in acid to hide evidence of atrocities.
Prominent Palestinian figures, including writers, journalists, and political leaders, remain unaccounted for. There have been no reports of their release.
Palestinian refugees in Syria rely heavily on UNRWA for support, but the agency has cut cash assistance, now provided irregularly every four months. Food aid had also been reduced, leaving many Palestinians in dire need.
Abu Eid called on UNRWA to address urgent needs and urged the Palestinian Authority and the PLO to engage with the new Syrian government to ensure refugees’ needs. Many feel abandoned and marginalized by Palestinian leadership.
Statistics Reflecting the Plight of Palestinians in Syria Since 2011
* 3,085 Palestinians arrested, including 127 women.
* 643 died under torture, including 37 women.
* 135 executed in field trials.
* 252 children killed.
* 336 Palestinians missing, including 40 women.
* 206 died from starvation and lack of medical care, mostly in Yarmouk refugee camp.
* 79 drowned attempting to migrate.
* 17 Palestinian journalists killed during the war.
