The Israeli news channel i24NEWS is reporting allegations that two large tent cities in northern Syria are being repurposed to resettle hundreds of thousands of Gazans potentially. The report, published Thursday, cites unnamed Syrian sources and claims the effort involves coordination between Turkey, Qatar, and the new Syrian government.
According to the i24NEWS report, the camps in question – one located between Al-Bab and Akhtarin, the other east of Azaz near the Turkish border – were initially established during the Syrian civil war. Their initial purpose, the Israeli outlet notes, was to house displaced Syrians and prevent their entry into Turkey.
The i24NEWS story suggests this alleged repurposing coincides with increased stability in Syria, reportedly allowing displaced Syrians to return home, a point also mentioned by Syria's state news agency, SANA. The Israeli channel's sources claim Turkey and Qatar are now working with Damascus to redesignate these facilities for displaced Gazans.
The report further alleges, based on one Syrian source, that two Turkish organizations, Avaaz and IHH, are overseeing the plan's implementation. i24NEWS stated that neither organization had responded to its inquiries regarding the allegations.
Furthermore, the Israeli media report mentions unconfirmed speculation linking the alleged resettlement plan to a broader, unverified agreement. This rumored deal purportedly involves potential US recognition of the new Syrian administration in exchange for lifting sanctions. However, i24NEWS specified that its sources could not corroborate this story aspect.
Photo: i24News