Knowra Palestinian refugees Palestinian refugees Palestinian refugees are Palestinians displaced from their homes, especially during the 1948 Arab–Israeli war and 1967 Arab–Israeli war, and their descendants. Their legal status and rights vary across host countries and territories.
1948 Palestinian expulsion and flight : The mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s establishment. This event created the largest and earliest group recognized as Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA : The United Nations agency established in 1949 to provide services to Palestine refugees in its areas of operation. UNRWA registers and assists many Palestinian refugees, using a mandate distinct from UNHCR’s.
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon : Palestinians displaced to Lebanon and their descendants, whose status and access to rights are restricted by Lebanese law and policy. Lebanon illustrates how host-country rules shape employment, property, and daily life.
Palestinian internally displaced persons : Palestinians forced from their homes who remain within the country or territory where they lived. Internal displacement differs from crossing an international border, though histories can overlap.
1967 Palestinian displacement : The displacement of Palestinians during and after the June 1967 Arab–Israeli war. This later wave added refugees from the West Bank and Gaza to the broader history.
UNRWA Palestine refugee definition : UNRWA’s operational definition of Palestine refugees, based on residence and livelihood loss in 1946–1948 and eligibility of descendants. This definition governs eligibility for UNRWA services, not a universal legal status.
Palestinian refugees in Jordan : Palestinians displaced to Jordan and their descendants, with citizenship and legal status varying among groups. Jordan demonstrates the distinction between refugee registration and national citizenship.
Palestinian citizens of Israel : Palestinians who remained within Israel after its establishment and hold Israeli citizenship, including descendants. They are distinct from refugees abroad, though some families were internally displaced in 1948.
1948 Arab–Israeli War : The war between Israel and neighboring Arab states that followed the end of British rule in Palestine. The war and Israel’s establishment coincided with the mass displacement of Palestinians.
UNHCR : The United Nations agency mandated to protect refugees and seek durable solutions worldwide. UNHCR’s framework clarifies how Palestinian refugees relate to the wider international refugee system.
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