Israel-coordinated departures from Gaza rise alongside expanding anti-Hamas protests:
Hundreds of Gazans have been leaving the Gaza Strip permanently each week in recent months at their own request. According to Israeli officials, over 35,000 Gazans have left for a third country since the Gaza war began. On Thursday, over 200 sick Gazans and their families are expected to fly to the UAE via Israel's Ramon Airport, with hundreds more set to follow in the coming weeks, Ynet learned on Wednesday.
The numbers have risen dramatically in recent weeks, coordinated and escorted by defense officials —from movement within Gaza to police details in Israel until departure. This is done under government directives.
Exit permits are granted to Gazans in need of medical treatment, who are permitted to travel with their families, as well as to Gazans with dual citizenship or residency visas from a third country. Defense officials receive hundreds of requests weekly for departures to a third country.
Security officials stressed that all departing Gazans undergo strict security screening by the Shin Bet to filter out Hamas members and other terrorists whom Israel does not wish to allow out.
Leaving Gaza has become a struggle for survival rather than a choice. In recent weeks, many Gazans have conveyed a simple message: "Just get us out." This is reflected in a growing wave of protests against Hamas in Gaza.
This protest is considered highly unusual and one of the largest demonstrations held in Gaza throughout the war. Gazans face significant difficulties in opposing Hamas rule or removing it through legitimate means, as the organization enforces its authority through intimidation and even public executions of dissenters.
As hostage negotiations remain stuck, IDF continues to squeeze Hamas while preparing larger operation:
Despite mounting pressure on Hamas, Israel estimates that talks about a new ceasefire and hostage deal are stuck at the moment, leaving military operations as the only lever to pressure the terror group currently.
Since the ceasefire’s first phase ended without an agreement on a continuation, Israel has gradually applied pressure on Hamas, first by cutting aid and electricity, before resuming airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and killing numerous top officials, as well as advancing ground troops in several areas of the enclave.
Israel’s defense establishment estimates that fuel, food, and water will run out in the Gaza Strip within 60 days. In an additional, surprising development that will put even more pressure on the terror group,protests have eruptedacross the strip.
DespiteEgypt threatening Hamasas well, the terror group remains obstinate and has rejected several new Egyptian outlines for hostage deals.
While several reports in recent weeks indicated that the IDF is preparing a large-scale offensive aiming to occupy the whole of Gaza in one fell swoop, the report suggested that Israel’s leadership wants to let the pressure build for several more weeks, and therefore has not begun a broad call-up of reserves.
