afrinpost-Exclusive
Against the backdrop of Turkey’s broader resettlement initiative, an exclusive source from Afrin reported the recent arrival of a Gazan family to the Deir Ballout settlement in occupied Afrin. The family’s journey, which commenced in Turkey for medical treatment, unfolded through Azaz and Afrin city before finding a home in Deir Ballout.
Insider sources hint at Turkey’s comprehensive plan, indicating preparations to relocate 160 Palestinian families to the occupied Afrin region. These families, identified as “war wounded and cancer patients” upon entering Turkish territory, are set to be resettled in purpose-built settlements in the Jindires region, backed by the Qatari Red Crescent.
In a related context, Turkey’s commitment to humanitarian aid is underscored by its recent announcement on November 3, expressing readiness to swiftly transport cancer patients from Gaza for treatment. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca’s subsequent revelation on November 21 of a list comprising 50 patients for evacuation from Gaza further emphasizes Turkey’s ongoing efforts, having already transported 88 patients and 62 accompanying individuals to the country
Deir Ballout Settlement Insight:
Situated on the outskirts of the village since mid-May 2018, the Al-Mahmadiya camp initially welcomed arrivals from the Damascus countryside. Later, the addition of another camp, “Deir Ballout Camp,” east of the Afrin River, brought the total population to an estimated three thousand. Deir Ballout Camp, approximately 27 km from Afrin city, 5 km from Atma town, and 2 km from the border strip, hosts displaced individuals from southern Damascus and eastern Qalamoun.
Of the camp’s inhabitants, around two-thirds are Syrian Palestinians, with approximately 325 Palestinian families relocated from areas such as Babliya, Beit Sahm, and Yalda in the Damascus countryside. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Turkish Red Crescent exclusively oversee the humanitarian affairs of the camp, with access restricted to Syrian or Palestinian organizations under limited exceptions.
