A Tale of Resilience and Hope Amidst Adversity
The Palestinian struggle for homeland and identity has spanned decades, with millions of refugees displaced across the Middle East. As the crisis in Gaza deepens, a strong message emerges from Palestinian refugees in Syria: "Do not leave your land." This call echoes the painful history of displacement that began in 1948, shaping the lives of generations living in exile.
The Unfulfilled Promise: A Temporary Exodus That Became Permanent
When the Arab-Israeli war erupted in 1948, thousands of Palestinian families left their homes, believing they would return within days. "The Arab armies told us, 'Leave for eight days, and we will liberate the land,'" recalls 80-year-old Khadija al-Ali, a refugee in Syria's Jaramana Camp. "People locked their doors and left with only their house keys, expecting to return soon."
Those eight days have stretched into 77 years, with refugees like Khadija still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise. Today, more than 13,000 Palestinian refugees live in the Jaramana Camp, a crowded settlement on the outskirts of Damascus, facing economic hardships and political uncertainty. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale for the people of Gaza, who are now being urged to flee their homeland.
Trump's Controversial Proposal: U.S. Control Over Gaza
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the relocation of over two million Palestinians. This suggestion, widely criticized by regional experts, defies longstanding international policies that recognize Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state.
"That's pie in the sky. It's not going to happen," says Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. "There are too many unanswered questions—who will rebuild Gaza, who will govern it, and who will ensure security?"
Palestinians in Gaza and the broader Arab world reject the notion of forced displacement. Arab nations have also refused to accept Palestinian refugees, fearing it would undermine the cause of a sovereign Palestinian state.
The Historical Context: 1948 Nakba and the UN Resolution
The mass exodus of Palestinians in 1948, known as the Nakba (Catastrophe), displaced approximately 750,000 people. In response, the United Nations passed Resolution 194, stating that refugees should be allowed to return to their homes at "the earliest practicable date." However, Israel has continuously opposed this right of return, citing demographic concerns.
Today, nearly six million Palestinians—descendants of those original refugees—are registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Many still live in refugee camps across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza, holding onto the hope of one day returning to their ancestral lands.
Israel's Stand Against the Right to Return
The Israeli government has consistently opposed the mass return of Palestinian refugees, arguing that it would alter the country's demographic balance. Critics argue that this stance perpetuates a cycle of displacement and statelessness.
A recent Israeli law even bars UNRWA from operating within Israel, further complicating humanitarian efforts. While UNRWA continues its work in Gaza and the West Bank, refugees remain in limbo, caught between international politics and the harsh realities of exile.
A Message of Perseverance: "We Are Steadfast Like Olive Trees"
Despite decades of displacement, Palestinians remain committed to their homeland. "We are steadfast. We are like olive trees," says 52-year-old Fadi Deeb from Jaramana Camp. Quoting renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, he adds, "My homeland is not a suitcase, and I am not a traveler. I am the lover, and the land is the beloved."
The sentiment is clear: Gaza must not be abandoned. Refugees like Khadija al-Ali insist that the only just solution is a return to their original villages. "If you truly care about humanity, return us to our homes and rebuild our land," she says.
Pakistan’s Stance on Palestinian Rights
Pakistan has consistently voiced strong support for Palestinian self-determination and the right of return. The nation has condemned Israel's policies and called for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Pakistanis resonate deeply with the Palestinian cause, seeing parallels with their own history of partition and displacement.
As Pakistan continues to advocate for Palestinian rights on international platforms, it is crucial to amplify these voices and support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Conclusion: The Importance of Holding On
The Palestinian refugees in Syria serve as a powerful reminder that displacement should never be accepted as a permanent reality. Their message to Gazans is clear: resist, remain, and reclaim. As the global conversation around Gaza intensifies, Pakistan must continue to champion the Palestinian cause, advocating for justice, peace, and the right of return.
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