Askar Camp

Basic Information

Type

Refugee Camp

Governorate

Nablus

Region

West Bank - Northern

Overview

Askar Camp (Arabic: مخيم عسكر) is a Palestinian refugee camp located on the northeastern outskirts of Nablus city in the northern West Bank. Established by UNRWA in 1950 on 0.12 km² of land, the camp originally housed refugees expelled from the coastal cities of Jaffa, Haifa, and Lydda (Lod) during the 1948 Nakba. Over time, the camp expanded onto adjacent land, with a 'new camp' area (Askar al-Jadid) established to relieve overcrowding. Today, Askar's combined population exceeds 11,000 registered refugees. The camp has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967 and has suffered from repeated military incursions, curfews, and home demolitions. Askar was an active center of resistance during both Intifadas, and the Israeli military has targeted it repeatedly, particularly during the Second Intifada when large parts of the camp were damaged.

Historical Significance

One of the oldest refugee camps in the West Bank; center of Palestinian resistance; expanded from original 0.12 km² to include 'new camp' area due to overcrowding.

Sources and record limitations

Source detail varies by record. Some entries include document and page references; others supply source names only. Check the cited material and the record's limitations before relying on a specific claim.

• PCBS
• UNRWA
• ARIJ
• UN OCHA
• PASSIA
• B'Tselem
• Palestinian municipal records

The prompt listed 'Askalan Camp' which likely refers to Askar Camp (مخيم عسكر) near Nablus. Ancient name Ein Sukkar.