Dheisheh Refugee Camp is located south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, approximately three kilometres from Bethlehem’s city centre. It lies beside the main Jerusalem–Hebron road, which gives the camp convenient access to Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. (UNRWA)

The camp was established in 1949 to accommodate Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Nakba, particularly families originating from villages west of Jerusalem and Hebron. It was originally designed to serve about 3,000 refugees on a small area of approximately 0.33 square kilometres. According to UNRWA’s 2023 data, the camp’s resident population has grown to approximately 19,240 people. 

Today, Dheisheh is a lively and closely connected community known for the generosity, hospitality, and resilience of its residents. Its narrow streets, busy neighbourhoods, rooftop views, colourful murals, and active cultural and community centres give the camp a distinctive character. Education, arts, youth initiatives, local organisations, and the preservation of Palestinian culture play an important role in daily life. Despite its limited space and many challenges, Dheisheh remains a place of creativity, solidarity, hope, and a strong sense of belonging.