Press Statement Issued by the Palestine International Center

Drowning of Palestinian Youths Off the Greek Coast: A Tragedy Exposing the Reality of Deprivation and Denial of Rights in Lebanon’s Refugee Camps

The Palestine International Center is following with profound sadness and sorrow the news of the drowning of Palestinian youths off the Greek coast, in yet another human tragedy that once again brings to the forefront the reality facing Palestinian refugees in Lebanon: their chronic deprivation of basic rights, the lack of economic and social prospects, and the absence of opportunities for employment and a dignified life. These conditions are driving increasing numbers of young people to seek a future outside the refugee camps, even through dangerous migration routes.

This tragedy is not an isolated incident, nor should it be reduced to an individual adventure or a personal decision to migrate. Rather, it must be understood in the context of the harsh conditions endured by Palestinian refugees as a result of the continuing Nakba and displacement, and their deprivation of the most basic civil, social, and economic rights, foremost among them the rights to work, own property, and access social security. These conditions are further compounded by the deterioration of UNRWA’s services, to the point that it has become an agency that exists in name only, neither functioning, taking initiative, nor addressing the problems it is meant to resolve.

The Center holds the Lebanese state responsible for addressing the conditions of Palestinian refugees and ending the discriminatory laws and measures that prevent them from enjoying their human, civil, and social rights. It also calls upon Palestinian and Lebanese political forces and parties to fulfill their responsibilities toward our people in Lebanon, rather than leaving the refugee camps to confront poverty, marginalization, and declining services without serious solutions.

The Center also calls upon the Greek authorities and the relevant European bodies to transparently disclose the circumstances surrounding the incident, intensify search and rescue operations, ensure the protection of migrants and refugees and respect for their human rights, and refrain from treating the victims of migration as mere statistics or as a security problem at Europe’s borders.

Palestinian refugees have the right to live in dignity in Lebanon until they return to their homeland. Commitment to the right of return must never become a pretext for subjecting them to hunger or depriving them of their human, civil, and social rights. Granting rights does not mean permanent resettlement, and a dignified life does not contradict the right of return. Rather, it protects Palestinians and strengthens their ability to remain steadfast and uphold their national rights.

The Palestine International Center extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs and victims and to our Palestinian people, affirming that the lives of our young people are not fleeting numbers in news bulletins. The recurrence of such tragedies must serve as an alarm bell, demanding urgent popular mobilization across all refugee camps to put an end to the deprivation and marginalization endured by Palestinians in Lebanon.

Palestine International Center
Bourj al-Barajneh Refugee Camp – Beirut
20 October 2026