GENEVA, December22, 2006 (WAFA) - The United Nations refugee agency today voiced growing concern for 15,000 Palestinians remaining in Iraq "living in a climate of constant fear," after a group of 41 of them fleeing Baghdad to escape increasing violence, harassment and targeted killings was blocked at the border with Syria.

"We now have 41 traumatised Palestinians who have spent the past week 250 metres from the Iraqi checkpoint," UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman Ron Redmond told a news briefing in Geneva. Some do not have travel documents while those of others have expired due to the suspension of renewals or issuance of residence permits.

"We have spoken out repeatedly over the increasingly dire situation in Iraq, particularly for those who have no possibility of leaving the country, nor any safe haven or support network inside Iraq," Mr. Redmond said.

"The Palestinians are such a group. We call on the Iraqi and Syrian authorities to allow them to leave the country. We also reiterate our plea to neighbouring and resettlement countries and Israel to offer a solution."

In the latest case, Iraqi border authorities initially refused to allow the group to leave Iraq, citing a lack of proper documentation. The Palestinians have also been told by Iraqi border officials that Syrian authorities should first approve their entry. Only then will the Iraqi side allow them to exit and at least enter the no-man's land between Iraq and Syria to join an earlier group of 350 Palestinians who have been stuck there since May.

A local tribal leader has provided accommodation, food and water, Iraqi border officials have given some food and water, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is supplying tents, blankets, stoves and jerry cans.

UNHCR has contacted the respective authorities but so far without success. According to Iraqi officials, a recent agreement between Iraq and Syria calls for tight control on the movement of people. Exit and entry permits can reportedly only be granted if authorities in both capitals agree. Both border authorities have told UNHCR that they are not in a position to make an exception and allow the Palestinians in, not even into no-man's land.

(19:15 P) (17:15 GMT)