The program is being overseen by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), led by Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, in coordination with the Civil Administration. Its aim is to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the initiative to include thousands more participants if the pilot proves successful.
From Northern Gaza to New Horizons
Although international law allows Gazans who leave the territory to return, the current initiative is designed to encourage long-term—and potentially permanent—emigration. This effort is being carried out in coordination with Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, with which Israel does not maintain formal diplomatic relations.
Before the program launched, coordination talks were held with Indonesian officials to establish a new communication channel. If the pilot is deemed successful, responsibility for the broader rollout will be transferred to the newly established Emigration Directorate within Israel’s Ministry of Defense. A decision on who will lead the directorate is expected soon, though Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, previously a leading candidate, is reportedly no longer in consideration.
More Than 1,000 Gazans Have Left This Month
According to the report, the pace of departures from Gaza is increasing. Since the beginning of the month, around 1,000 residents have exited the Strip, with another 600 expected to leave in the coming days. Since the outbreak of the war, approximately 35,000 people have permanently left Gaza—most of them foreign passport holders, residents of third countries, or individuals seeking medical treatment abroad.
On the day before departure, emigrants are brought to a designated assembly point for security screening by the Shin Bet. They then exit via the Rafah Crossing, the Allenby Bridge, or Ramon Airport—with the understanding that returning to Gaza in the near future may no longer be possible.
