Syria to agree to deportations of Palestinian factions – Analyst
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria would, in principle, agree to the deportation of certain Palestinian factions, a Palestinian political analyst said on Thursday, emphasizing the issue is “not without complications.”
Ashraf Akka told North Press that the deportation of Palestinian factions is one of the central American conditions for initiating political, diplomatic, and economic normalization with Damascus. He described it as a key prerequisite for lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
On Wednesday, during his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, U.S. President Donald Trump presented a series of urgent demands, including the expulsion of Palestinian factions classified as terrorist groups by the U.S.
He noted that Hamas enjoys favorable relations with both Turkey and the new Syrian administration in Damascus, positioning it as a potential mediator in reaching arrangements that would preserve a limited Palestinian presence in Syria—though likely in an unofficial capacity.
“The next phase will involve the deportation of some Palestinian leaders and the closure of several factional offices, while allowing limited, discreet activity for select groups, far from the military and political roles they held under the previous regime,” Akka said.
He emphasized that “the new Syria is being reshaped within a regional framework involving Saudi, Turkish, American, and broader Arab coordination—an alignment that will define the country’s future political structure.”
In this context, Akka said, “Palestinian factions are among the most visible casualties of this transitional period, at least publicly—though behind the scenes, more nuanced arrangements may be developed to preserve some level of their presence.”
He predicted that Hamas will likely maintain a safe foothold in Syria, supported by Turkish protection and a mediation effort jointly led by Turkey and Qatar.
Akka also noted that American demands include the removal of foreign fighters aligned with the new Syrian administration who took part in its military campaigns, adding: “This presents a challenge for the U.S. administration, as it must navigate Congressional laws that prohibit engagement with groups designated as terrorist organizations.”