Since US President Donald Trump announced his plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza on February 4, social media platforms have been flooded with posts from Gaza residents expressing their desire to leave, while Arab nations maintain their strong opposition to the proposal.
In one notable example, a Gaza resident shared on Facebook: "When I get the chance to leave this land, I will never feel regret. I will never fill my social media accounts with lies and hypocrisy about how much I miss it. I will regret every minute I spent in this place, where young people are drowning in worries."
"This place is no longer habitable. Everything here is pathetic and disappointing. The problem lies with the place – we are good, we are excellent, we are exceptional for having survived thus far; but now we are leaving without regret. We left regret behind, in this place we no longer wish to give a second chance," the Gazan continued.
In the northern Gaza Strip, resident Bilal Habub wrote: "Trump will never back down from the migration idea! We must distinguish between forced migration and voluntary migration. Everything happening now indicates that voluntary migration is approaching. For those who want to leave Gaza – everything happening now is a signal to strengthen this desire among many Gaza residents."
Gaza journalist Omar Abed Rabbo addressed the plan directly: "Facing Trump's proposal, there are only two options – either remove Hamas from Gaza or take Gaza residents abroad. Otherwise, the war will continue."
From Rafah in southern Gaza, Ahmad Shaqaqi said: "Allah will take revenge on those who brought us to this situation... We want to migrate... Hurry up Trump... We cannot hold on like this anymore. One of the hardest nights of our lives..."
Meanwhile, Arab nations continue to mount opposition. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged the international community today to support his plan for rebuilding the Gaza Strip without evacuating Palestinians. During a press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, al-Sisi emphasized that UNRWA's existence remains crucial. An Arab nations summit is scheduled for March 4 in Cairo, where the Egyptian plan will be presented.
United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphatically stated today to United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio that his country firmly rejects the plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza. Rubio met with Sheikh Al Nahyan during his UAE visit, with the statements published today in the country's official news agency.
In recent statements, UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba described the Trump administration's approach as "bad," while noting the absence of an alternative plan at that time. Though the diplomat was merely describing the situation, many in the Arab world interpreted his comments as tacit support, despite the different context.
Gilad Ach, CEO of Ad Kan organization, commented: "Despite all the briefings and statements from Arab nations, including Hamas, claiming Gaza residents are natives who will never leave, the reality is clearly different. Our exposure lifts the smoke screen and presents the public with reality: there are hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, a significant portion of whom are no longer hiding, who simply want to emigrate. They are tired of living under Hamas rule, better lives await them elsewhere. The Israeli government must advance emigration as quickly as possible. It's time for a reset in Gaza!"
