Syrian security forces have signalled an intention to expel Adel al‑Natour, a founding member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), from the country. According to a report by Middle East Eye dated 3 September 2026, al‑Natour has been held in custody without formal charges since his arrest in the latter part of 2025.
The notice of deportation, described by observers as "unlawful," was reportedly delivered to al‑Natour’s legal representatives in Damascus. Syrian officials have not provided a public rationale for the proposed removal, and no court proceedings have been opened to assess the legality of the action.
Al‑Natour, who played a senior role in PIJ during its early years, has been living in Syria since the early 2000s. His detention coincided with a broader crackdown on individuals linked to militant groups, though the exact grounds for his arrest remain undisclosed. Human‑rights advocates have highlighted the lack of due process, noting that the extended pre‑trial detention contravenes both Syrian domestic law and international standards.
Middle East Eye noted that the threatened deportation could have diplomatic repercussions, given the historic ties between the Syrian government and Palestinian factions. The report did not indicate whether any other state actors have been consulted or whether al‑Natour holds any travel documents that would facilitate a lawful return to Palestine or another jurisdiction.
Legal experts cited in the article warned that forcibly sending a detainee abroad without a judicial ruling could expose Syrian authorities to accusations of breaching international refugee and asylum conventions. The situation remains fluid, with al‑Natour’s legal team reportedly preparing to challenge the deportation order in Syrian courts.
The development adds to a series of recent incidents involving the detention of Palestinian activists across the region, underscoring ongoing tensions between host governments and members of armed opposition groups.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-islamic-jihad-co-founder-threatened-unlawful-deportation-syria.