A survey published in the British Telegraph reveals that 52% of Gaza residents would leave the Gaza Strip either temporarily or permanently if given the opportunity. The Gallup poll indicates that Germany ranks as the most desired destination among those considering relocation. Meanwhile, both Israeli and Egyptian officials have firmly denied a separate Lebanese media report claiming Egypt had agreed to establish a settlement for displaced Gazans in northern Sinai.
The Gallup survey, which polled 532 Gaza residents aged 18 and older between March 2-13, found a population divided about their future in Gaza. While 39% indicated they would remain in Gaza with no plans to leave, 38% said they would consider temporary relocation with the intention to return later, and 14% stated they would leave permanently if possible.
This polling comes in the wake of a proposal by President Donald Trump to relocate Gazans to various countries around the world. The survey was completed just before Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Demographic analysis reveals younger residents under the age of 34 and those living in the most heavily damaged areas of Gaza City and Khan Younis expressed the strongest interest in leaving. Among potential destination countries, Germany – which currently hosts an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Palestinians – was preferred by 13% of respondents. Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates followed closely behind at 12, 10, and 10 percent respectively.
The survey reached respondents across various living situations, including permanent homes, shelters, and tents. Approximately 37% reported being forcibly displaced from their homes with no ability to return – a figure likely higher now following renewed Israeli airstrikes. Another 36% said they had temporarily fled their homes but subsequently returned. Only 10% reported remaining in their original homes throughout the entirety of the conflict.
Israeli and Egyptian officials refute Lebanese media claims
In a separate development, both Israeli and Egyptian authorities have responded to a report published in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar claiming Egypt had agreed to accommodate half a million Palestinians from Gaza in northern Sinai.
Two diplomatic sources informed Israel Hayom that Israel has no knowledge of any Egyptian plans to establish a temporary settlement for Gazans in northern Sinai. A senior Israeli official added: "We are not aware of such intentions, but if the report proves accurate, we would welcome such a development."
The Egyptian Information Authority issued a categorical denial, stating that Cairo "completely rejects all claims circulated by certain media outlets suggesting Egypt's willingness to temporarily relocate one million Gaza residents to a designated city in northern Sinai Peninsula as part of Gaza's rehabilitation efforts."
The Egyptian statement emphasized that "these false claims directly contradict Egypt's firm and principled position rejecting any attempt to displace Palestinians, whether by force or voluntarily."
Egypt maintains that Gaza's reconstruction should proceed without requiring any Palestinians to leave the territory. In recent months, Egypt has conducted an intensive diplomatic and media campaign highlighting its absolute opposition to absorbing Gazans within its borders. During the conflict, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi pointedly suggested that Israel should accommodate displaced Gazans in the Negev rather than expecting Egypt to house them in Sinai. Given this context, the likelihood of the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper's report being accurate appears extremely low.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah appears to be attempting to deflect criticism for not resuming rocket fire following the renewal of fighting in Gaza. In a statement released this week, the organization made no commitment to reactivate what it terms the "support front." On Thursday, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida issued an appeal for assistance to Gaza after noting that – with the exception of Yemen's Houthis – other members of the pro-Iranian axis have not resumed attacks on Israel.
