A new survey reveals that nearly half of Gaza residents would be willing to seek Israeli assistance to emigrate from the enclave, underscoring a deepening sense of despair and dissatisfaction amid ongoing war and political repression.

According to the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 49% of Gazans surveyed said they would consider applying to Israel for help leaving Gaza through Israeli-controlled ports or airports. The poll comes just weeks after Israeli military operations resumed in the Strip following a collapsed ceasefire.

While Israeli officials have said they’re open to facilitating emigration for Gazans who wish to leave, efforts to secure third-country destinations for them have so far stalled.

The survey also shows a surprising degree of public opposition to Hamas: 48% of Gazans said they support recent anti-Hamas demonstrations that broke out across parts of the Strip — a stark contrast to the West Bank, where only 14% expressed similar support.

Yet, the picture remains complex. Despite backing the protests, a majority — 54% — of Gazans also believe the demonstrations were orchestrated by foreign entities, including Israel, rather than being a genuine grassroots movement. Only 20% said the protests reflect the true sentiments of the population.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)