As many as 26 Palestinians have reportedly been kidnapped in Baghdad by armed groups operating in the Al Karrada region of the capital according to the Palestinian Refugees Association in Europe.
A statement on Tuesday by the group said that the men were reportedly beaten and led to an unknown location, while Palestinian women among the group had been assaulted, reported WAFA.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced the attacks, and reportedly made contact with Iraqi officials in order to ensure the safe return of the hostages. He also called on the officials of both Iraq and the US to work together on the matter.
The Palestinian Refugees Association also called on the Iraqi government to protect Palestinians in Iraq.
According to eyewitnesses, tens of Palestinians had been taken from their home in Al Karrada while several homes were destroyed by gunmen.
On Sunday, Palestinian representatives called on the Iraqi Government and global human rights organizations to protect Palestinian refugees from attacks by armed groups. An official statement issued in Ramallah said that the UN had also been called on to intervene against violence towards Palestinians in Iraq.
Palestinians had been warned previously that must leave the country immediately or be killed by Shiite groups.
Iraqi security forces explained that since most of the Palestinians are Sunni and had in the past supported Saddam Hussein, they are now the target of a backlash by hardline Shiites, according to the Telegraph.
More than 600 Palestinians are believed to have been killed at the hands of Shiites in Iraq since 2003. Many were tortured with electric drills before they died.
There are some 20,000 remaining Palestinians living in the country after being welcomed by Saddam Hussain and provided with housing, money and free education. Hundreds of Iraqis were reportedly forced to leave their homes to make way for the migrants.
