Palestinians report increasing hostility in Syria amid waves of arrests

Palestinian communities in Syria are facing increasing hostility and arbitrary arrests, according to reports from Palestinian rights organizations. Over the past few weeks, Syrian forces have carried out a series of detentions targeting Palestinians in Damascus, citing vague allegations ranging from connections to the former Assad regime to affiliations with the Islamic State or involvement in recent demonstrations.

The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria has documented at least 14 men arrested from areas including the Khan Al-Shih and Jaramana camps, and the Rukn al-Din neighborhood. While some detainees were released after short periods, their accounts of interrogations involving beatings and electric shocks paint a grim picture of the treatment faced by those detained. The lack of clear charges and the arbitrary nature of these arrests have instilled fear and uncertainty within the community.

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Until now, the Syrian Ministry of Interior has not issued any clarification about the reasons for these arrests or the specific charges being brought against the detainees.

Adding to the confusion, families have been given conflicting reasons for the detentions, including alleged ISIS affiliations or connections to protests at the United Arab Emirates' embassy. However, the Syrian Ministry of Interior has remained largely silent, offering no official clarification. This lack of transparency fuels speculation and exacerbates the sense of insecurity among Palestinians, who have already endured immense hardship due to years of conflict in Syria.

This situation is particularly concerning given the historical context of Palestinian refugees in Syria. Many have lived in the country for generations, seeking refuge and building lives, only to find themselves caught in the crossfire of ongoing political turmoil. The current wave of arrests and the increasing hostility underscore the precarious position of the Palestinian diaspora in Syria, highlighting their vulnerability to state actions and the absence of clear protections.

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Members of the community told the portal that the detainments were treated as 'a show of force at the expense of civilians.'