BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee

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Survey of Palestinian Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (2006-2007)
The second-highest number of camp refugees is found in Jordan (329,150 as of 31 March 2007). However, Jordan is also
the host country with lowest percentage of refugees in camps: only 17% of the registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan
reside in camps. This reflects the status afforded to most Palestinian refugees in Jordan as Jordanian citizens.
Lebanon and Syria are the host countries with the largest portion of camp refugees. In Lebanon, approximately 50% (216,597
as of 31 March 2007) live in official camps and about 5% in unofficial camps. The high percentage of camp refugees in
Lebanon is directly related to the restrictions placed on freedom of movement by the Lebanese government, the lack of
resources for alternative housing outside of the camps, and concerns about physical safety. In Syria, where approximately
55% are camp refugees, more Palestinian refugees live in unofficial camps (142,560) than in official camps (119,570),
because some unofficial camps, in particular Yarmouk, are located close to the capital Damascus and offer good services.
Table 2.5: Population of Palestinian Refugees in Camps (official and unofficial), 31 March 2007
Host Country Camp (local name) Population Year established
Gaza Strip a
Official camps Jabalia 107,146 1948
Beach (Shati) 80,688 1948
Nuseirat 58,789 1948
Bureij 29,919 1948
Deir al-Balah 20,296 1948
Maghazi 23,264 1948
Khan Younis 61,798 1948
Rafah 97,674 1948
Total 479,574
West Bank b
Official camps Aqabat Jaber 6,293 1948
Ein al-Sultan 1,859 1948
Shu’fat c 10,765 1965/1966
Am’ari 10,406 1949
Kalandia 10,791 1949
Deir Ammar 2,351 1949
Jalazone 10,995 1949
Fawwar 7,967 1949
Arroub 10,229 1950
Dheisheh 12,836 1949
Aida 4,726 1950
Beit Jibrin (‘Azza) 2,058 1950
Far’a 7,539 1949
Camp No. 1 6,695 1950
Askar 15,557 1950
Balata 22,878 1950
Tulkarem 18,034 1950
Nur Shams 9,010 1952
Jenin 15,883 1953
M’ascar d evacuated 1948–1955/1956
Sub-total 186,872
Unofficial camps e Silwad 432 1971/72
Abu Shekedem 481 1948
Qaddoura 1,585 1948
Birzeit (as-Saqaeif) 2,341 1948
Sub-total 4,839
Total 671,285