GENEVA, June 2, 2006 (WAFA)- The United Nations refugee agency voiced alarm today over a fresh spate of killings, kidnappings and threats in Baghdad that have led to mounting fear among Iraq's Palestinian refugee community, sending hundreds of them fleeing to border areas.

"The latest murders and kidnappings have stoked mounting fear, panic and anger among the Palestinians," UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman Ron Redmond told a news briefing in Geneva, citing reports that at least six Palestinians have been killed in the Iraqi capital in the last two weeks.

Last Sunday, some 20 armed assailants entered a house, took a Palestinian man into the garden and shot him dead in front of his family, UNHCR said.

In an earlier case, another Palestinian man was found dead shortly after being abducted on May 15 and a subsequent statement warned Palestinians to leave Iraq within 10 days or "face the same fate as the criminals in other areas." The unsigned statement said "you have been warned" and "you will be judged fiercely."

Since February, killings, intimidation and kidnapping of Palestinians in Baghdad have been rife. Hundreds have fled to the Iraqi-Syrian border hoping to find sanctuary. In early May, Syria allowed 287 Palestinians to enter.

A total of 212 Palestinians, including children and pregnant women, have fled Baghdad since May 10 and are stranded at the border. UNHCR and the Syrian Red Crescent are providing food, basic items and medical care to the group, who are refusing to return to Baghdad.

UNHCR has also received reports that Palestinians have been unable to renew their residency permits since March 28, affecting their freedom of movement and security.

A.D. (21:21 P) (18:21 GMT)