Is located north west of Damascus and is administratively under Rural Damascus district. The current total number of populations is approximately 425,000 individuals, including 6,000 Palestinian households (30,000 individuals).

The area was controlled by OAGs (Opposition Armed Groups) in early 2012 and was classified as Hard-to-Reach (HTR) by UN OCHA. Qudsaya witnessed significant violence in October 2012, when local pro-GoS (Government of Syria) armed groups based in nearby Jabal Al-Ward launched attacks into the town. In March 2014, a truce was held between GoS and OAGs which only stipulated a ceasefire, with OAGs remaining in control of the area.

On 27 September 2016 the GoS tightened the siege on the area and officials proposed a reconciliation agreement with terms stipulating the evacuation of irreconcilable members of the armed and political opposition and lifting access restrictions. Following heavy indirect fire by GoS between the 28th and 29th of September, around 6,000 civilians protested in Qudsaya on September 30th demanding the local council and OAGs to agree to the proposed reconciliation terms, to avoid a military escalation similar to that of Daraya town.

Notably, Qudsaya’s reconciliation was tied to the reconciliation of nearby Hameh town. OAGs in Hameh resisted initially the reconciliation with the GoS. On October 8th, 2016, OAGs accepted the terms of reconciliation following the heavy direct and indirect fire targeting the area and significant GoS military advance.

On October 14th, approximately 1,280 opposition fighters, activists, and civil society figures, and their families evacuated Hama (Hameh) and Qudsiya, and reached Idelb city as part of the reconciliation agreement. More than 5 local NGOs ceased their operations in the area as most of their staff were evacuated, being tied to the opposition.

Approximately 6,000 Palestinian IDP households have been struggling with the deteriorating humanitarian situation as a result of the price leap, absence of stable financial resources, the sharp shortage in fuel supplies, frequent power blackouts, and absence of humanitarian assistance.

Sources of water in the area are: Marwan, Al Arad and Ein El Fijeh springs, with all three being potable. In general, water is available in the gathering; however, shortages are reported during the summer season when demand is higher. Residents resort to water trucks.

Electricity cuts reach up to 12 hours per day; many households (HH) cannot afford fuel for generators. In winter, most HHs reported that they cannot rely on the electricity for heating purposes, instead, they purchase Butane Gas cylinders, Diesel and Firewood (with the latter being the most item HHs can afford).