Sudan to help Iraq's Palestinians

There are concerns over health conditions at the refugee camps

The Palestinian envoy to Iraq has said Sudan is willing to take in Palestinian refugees who are stranded on Iraq's borders with Syria and Jordan.

The offer came after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir received a letter from the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas.

The UN refugee agency has expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions for the hundreds of Palestinians in camps on the borders.

They have tried to leave Iraq, but have been refused entry by Jordan and Syria.

Palestinians have felt especially vulnerable to the violence in Iraq as they enjoyed generous financial support from former government of Saddam Hussein, who championed the Palestinian cause.

Their healthcare, school and housing were subsidised and many received government jobs, leading to resentment among many Iraqis.

The UNHCR estimates about 34,000 Palestinians currently live in Iraq. Between 200 and 300 have been killed since the US-led invasion in 2003.