Three months after its formation, the Gaza Emigration Department—part of the Population and Immigration Authority—has officially begun operations. This morning (Wednesday), approximately 300 Gazans departed the Strip through the department’s efforts, most of them en route to the United Arab Emirates, with others continuing on to Europe and Jordan. The report was published by military correspondent Hallel Bitton Rosen. This process is taking place alongside the ongoing departure of tens of thousands of residents since the beginning of the war.
Mass Departure
According to updated data, more than 36,000 residents have left Gaza since the fighting began. The figures point to a growing trend of voluntary emigration. Many Gazans are choosing to leave due to the harsh conditions brought on by Hamas, including economic collapse, hunger, and deteriorating personal security.
Departures are taking place via the Rafah Crossing into Egypt, and from there to other destinations. Gazans who hold dual citizenship or foreign visas are granted permission to leave. Several exit points are being used, including the Rafah Crossing, the Allenby Bridge, and Ramon Airport. As part of the process, Israel’s internal security service—the ISA (Shin Bet)—conducts security checks to ensure that no individuals who may pose a threat are allowed to exit.
Pilot Program for Voluntary Emigration
In March, a pilot program to encourage voluntary emigration was launched. As part of this initiative, around 100 Gazans left for Indonesia to work in the construction industry. The project is being managed by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Major General Ghassan Alian, together with the Civil Administration. The goal of the pilot was to explore the feasibility of expanding the emigration program, should it prove effective.
The Ministry of Defense has created a system to oversee and support the emigrants. This includes security screening and management of the departure lists. According to security sources, the departures are expected to continue in the near future—particularly if fighting persists in Gaza and the security situation remains unstable.
Hamas Tries to Halt Emigration
Despite the wave of departures, Hamas is attempting to block the trend and strongly opposes it. The terror organization claims the emigration effort is a political scheme by the State of Israel. Hamas and other factions in Gaza are actively trying to prevent the phenomenon, referring to it as a “political plan” aimed at encouraging migration. Nonetheless, departures are continuing, and in recent weeks dozens more families have left through regulated crossings.
