If Israel says it doesn’t want to welcome any more Palestinians, the world is outraged, but here we learn that Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey don’t want them either! Why is it that these Muslim countries don’t like their fellow Muslims?
From Naharnet News:
Lebanon has placed prohibitive restrictions on the entry of Palestinians fleeing Syria, making it almost impossible for them to take refuge in the small Mediterranean country.
New measures mean Palestinians fleeing Syria will not be given visas at the border, while those who are already in the country will not have their visas renewed.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page Thursday, Interior Minister Nuhad al-Mashnouq said no visas will be issued at the main Masnaa border crossing.
Palestinians living in Syria who wish to enter Lebanon must first request a visa at the Lebanese embassy in Damascus. The request will be processed by the Lebanese General Security agency.
[….]
Human rights activists say Palestinians in Syria, who once numbered 500,000, have been targeted by both sides in the conflict, making them one of the country’s most vulnerable groups.
[….]
Turkey and Jordan, which also host large numbers of refugees from Syria, have barred entry to Palestinians.
The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) said Thursday that, “since 9 am no Palestine refugees from Syria have been allowed to cross into Lebanon”.
Agency spokesman Chris Gunness appealed to Lebanese authorities not to block those in need of sanctuary.
I’ll never forget, and never stop reminding readers, that in 2009 the UN High Commissioner for Refugees credited Islam and Shariah law for the historical admonition to welcome the stranger.