COGAT: 80% of Gazans Want to Leave
Since the war began after the October 7 massacre, more than 44,000 Gazans have left the Strip through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, including medical patients and individuals who held visas for third countries.
Nearly 80% of Gazans are interested in emigrating from the Gaza Strip, according to a recent survey conducted by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and shared with senior Israeli officials.
The findings, seen by The Jerusalem Post, point to growing frustration among Gaza’s civilian population as Hamas continues to refuse to disarm, a central condition in US President Donald Trump’s postwar plan and a key obstacle to reconstruction.
As part of the survey, respondents were asked what issues they wanted additional information about. Nearly 80% said they were interested in mechanisms for relocating to a third country through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.
Another 17.5% said they wanted more information about food supplies and humanitarian aid, while around 2.5% expressed interest in medical humanitarian issues.
Israeli officials viewed the findings as evidence that a large share of Gaza’s population is focused on leaving the territory, with prospects for reconstruction and long-term stability remaining limited under Hamas rule.
Since the war began after the October 7 massacre, more than 44,000 Gazans have left the Strip through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. Those who left included medical patients and individuals who held visas for third countries. Around 2,500 departed through Rafah after the crossing reopened in February under the ceasefire arrangement.
Some Israeli officials believe the actual number of Gazans interested in leaving may be higher than the survey found.
“It is possible that some respondents did not fully understand the question or may have been reluctant to express their views openly,” an Israeli security official said during discussions on the findings.
COGAT also said Monday that it facilitated the entry of 30,000 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza between May 10 and May 14. The shipments included engine oil intended to support the continued operation of UN humanitarian facilities.
The agency said more than 440 tons of medical equipment entered Gaza during the same week, including 10 trucks carrying medicine and medical supplies provided by the World Health Organization.
COGAT also supported the evacuation of around 130 Gazans to Jordan through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.