MSF warns of risks after Hawl Camp closure

Hawl Camp in the countryside of Hasakah, northeastern Syria, which housed families of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members. – North Press/Archive
Hawl Camp in the countryside of Hasakah, northeastern Syria, which housed families of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members. – North Press/Archive

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned on Friday that the abrupt closure of Hawl Camp in northeast Syria has exposed thousands of former residents to reduced access to healthcare and increased protection risks. 

The camp was closed on Feb. 22 following a chaotic transition after control shifted from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to the Syrian transitional government.

MSF said the uncoordinated closure created confusion among residents and disrupted humanitarian services.

At its peak in 2019, the Hawl Camp housed more than 76,000 people, mostly women and children. By January 2026, the population had reportedly dropped to about 23,000 following several repatriation operations, particularly to Iraq.

In the days before the closure, remaining residents were transferred to Aq Burhan camp in the northern countryside of Aleppo, while some families returned to their areas of origin.

The MSF reported gaps in healthcare, protection, and assistance at the new site, warning that women and children face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and displacement. 

“We spoke to families and individuals, some of whom had been waiting for more than fourteen hours to leave, while others were still trying to arrange for their belongings to be collected,” said Barbara Hessel, head of MSF programs in northeast Syria.

Humanitarian access was severely disrupted during the transition, with several organizations suspending operations due to insecurity. The MSF added that it continued providing healthcare and clean water in the camp until the final day, including treatment for patients with chronic diseases. 

However, the group said many patients were lost to follow-up during the transition, including at least 347 people enrolled in MSF’s chronic disease program.

The Hawl Camp in Hasakah Governorate held families of suspected Islamic State militants captured after the group’s territorial defeat in 2019. Humanitarian groups have long warned about harsh living conditions and security concerns in the camp.