By: Dr. Adnan Bozan

Amid the major geopolitical transformations in the region, proposals and projects occasionally emerge, carrying complex strategic dimensions. One such idea involves relocating large numbers of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank to the Eastern Euphrates region in Syria, which includes vast areas of northern and eastern Syria. If true, this proposal goes beyond merely resettling a population; it aims to create a new political and security reality with serious consequences for various parties, including the Palestinians themselves, the Kurds, the new Syrian regime, Turkey, and Israel. 

First: The Hidden Objectives Behind the Plan 

1. Altering the Demographic Composition of Eastern Euphrates One of the key aspects of this project is the redrawing of the demographic map of the Eastern Euphrates region, which has a Kurdish-majority population. The introduction of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians could lead to new power dynamics that would affect the future of the Kurdish self-administration in the area.

2. Emptying the Palestinian Cause of Its Geographic Basis Forcing Palestinians out of their homeland contributes to fragmenting Palestinian national identity and undermining their cause by dispersing the population and resettling them elsewhere. This serves agendas that seek to dismantle the notion of the right of return to the occupied Palestinian territories.

3. Addressing Turkey’s Concerns Regarding the Kurds Another potential objective of this plan is to alleviate Turkey’s security concerns about the presence of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria. Replacing part of the Kurdish demographic with another population could shift the political dynamics of the region, aligning with Turkish interests to curb Kurdish influence along its borders.

4. Redrawing U.S. Influence in Syria 

With U.S. presence in Eastern Syria, Washington has the ability to impose new political arrangements. This proposal could be part of a broader American strategy to reshape the region in a way that serves its strategic interests, whether by reducing Turkish-Kurdish tensions or by offering alternative solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Second: The Serious Consequences of Implementing the Plan 

1. Escalation of Ethnic Tensions in Eastern Euphrates 

The relocation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into a predominantly Kurdish region would create conflicts among local communities, potentially leading to severe social and political unrest, especially in the absence of any local consensus on such a move. 

2. A Strong Kurdish Backlash That Could Lead to Internal Conflicts

The Kurds would not stand idly by in the face of such a project, as they would perceive it as an attempt to undermine their aspirations for strong self-administration in northern Syria. This could push them toward escalation against any attempts to enforce forced demographic changes.

3. A New Flashpoint Between the New Syrian Regime and Turkey

Any move in this direction would widen the gap between the new Syrian regime and Turkey, especially if there is an agreement between Washington and Ankara on resettlement. Despite its current weaknesses, the Syrian regime would not accept projects that alter Syria’s internal balances without its involvement.

4. Regional Tensions and International Arab Reactions The relocation of Palestinians to Syria—whether through an agreement with Turkey or with U.S. approval—would face widespread rejection from Arab nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt. Such a move could be perceived as a step toward dismantling the Palestinian cause indirectly, which no Arab state supporting the two-state solution or the right of return would accept. 

5. Strengthening Israeli Influence by Weakening the Palestinian Cause 

Israel would be the biggest beneficiary of this plan, as the depopulation of Gaza and the West Bank would ease demographic pressures within Israel and reduce the likelihood of large-scale uprisings or resistance movements in the future. 

Conclusion 

The proposal to resettle Palestinians in the Eastern Euphrates is not just a passing suggestion; it is part of broader efforts to reshape the region in favor of certain regional and international powers, primarily the United States and Israel. If implemented, this project would have dire consequences for the future of the Palestinian cause and the stability of northern Syria, potentially opening the door to new conflicts rather than providing any viable long-term political solutions.