How many Palestinian refugees are there?

Published: April 30, 2021
how-many-refugees

In 1948, over 750,000 Palestinian men, women and children were expelled from their homes and forced to live as refugees in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. 72 years later, the Palestinian refugee population has grown to more than 5 million.

Palestinians who experienced the Nakba in 1948 have since witnessed up to four successive generations endure even more displacement and poverty.

Today the Palestinian refugee crisis is the longest running refugee crisis in the world and the military occupation of Palestine is the longest in modern history. Gaza is ‘unliveable’ and trying not to be overwhelmed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, whilst the West Bank continues to be fragmented and suppressed. Palestinian refugees across Lebanon and Jordan are extra vulnerable due to poverty and socio-political disadvantage.

More updates on our work

A man seen reading the Quran in Istanbul, Turkey [rumanamin / Unsplash]

Making the most of the last 10 nights of Ramadan

March 19, 2025

As we approach the last ten nights of Ramadan, the most spiritually significant time of this blessed month, we should…

Members of the UKC4C field staff in Lebanon

Celebrating International Women’s Day – Honouring resilience, leadership, and impact

March 8, 2025

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s courage, determination, and achievements worldwide, especially those who lead the charge in…

UKC4C staff seen with a Palestinian refugee child in Lebanon

Ramadan giving explained: Understanding Zakat, Zakat ul-Fitr, Fidya, and Kaffarah

March 3, 2025

Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection, and giving. For Muslims, it is also a month filled with opportunities to…