Survey Reveals Most Gazans Want to Leave Amid War and Crisis

A Gallup International survey in March 2025 found that most Gazans would leave if given the chance, with 38% favoring temporary relocation, 14% seeking permanent relocation, and 4% willing to send family abroad. The main reason is deteriorating living conditions since the war began on October 7, 2023. About 37% of respondents cannot return home, and 65% said life was better before the war. Essentials like electricity, food, healthcare, and housing remain scarce. Popular destinations include Egypt, Qatar, Germany, and Canada.

Key motivations for emigration are safety, better job opportunities, and securing a future for their families. Egypt reportedly considered temporarily hosting 500,000 Gazans but denied the claim. The U.S. proposed relocating Gazans, but Arab nations rejected the plan, opting for a $53 billion reconstruction effort. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister warned that if Hamas does not release hostages, Israel will seize more land in Gaza for permanent control.

Survey Reveals Most Gazans Want to Leave Amid War and Crisis

A recent Gallup International survey conducted in early March 2025 revealed that a majority of Gaza residents would leave if given the opportunity. The poll, which included 532 participants, found that 38% would relocate temporarily, 14% would move permanently, and 4% would send family members abroad. These sentiments are largely driven by the severe decline in living conditions since the war began on October 7, 2023.

Life in Gaza: A Struggle for Survival

Many residents described their quality of life as “very bad” or “fairly bad.” The survey highlighted that 37% of respondents cannot return to their homes due to destruction or displacement, while 65% believe their lives were better before the conflict. Basic necessities remain scarce—75% lack reliable access to electricity and fuel, 73% face food shortages, and over 60% struggle to obtain healthcare and education. These challenges have left families in dire circumstances, fueling the desire to seek stability elsewhere.

Preferred Destinations for Relocation

Among those wanting to leave, Gulf Arab countries such as Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait emerged as top choices for 30% of respondents. Another 13% preferred North African Arab nations, while 6% considered other Muslim-majority countries. Specific destinations included Egypt (12%), Turkey (6%), and Western countries such as Germany (13%), Canada (7%), and the U.S. (6%).

Motivations Behind the Exodus

The primary reasons for emigration center on securing a safer and more stable future. Seventy-nine percent cited safety concerns and the need to protect their families, while an equal percentage emphasized better opportunities for their children. Additionally, 74% highlighted the need for improved job prospects, reflecting Gaza’s crumbling economy and limited employment opportunities.

Regional Responses and Reconstruction Plans

Reports recently suggested that Egypt might temporarily host up to 500,000 Gazans, though the government later denied these claims. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously proposed relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring Arab countries, but Egypt and other Arab states rejected the idea. Instead, they proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure and economy.

Israel’s Stance on the Conflict

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if Hamas fails to release the remaining hostages, Israel may permanently seize additional land in Gaza. This would include expanding security zones around Israeli communities and evacuating Palestinian populations from certain areas—a move likely to heighten tensions.

Conclusion

The Gallup survey paints a stark picture of life in Gaza, where ongoing conflict, displacement, and resource shortages have left many desperate to leave. While international efforts focus on reconstruction, the immediate reality for residents remains bleak, fueling the desire to relocate to safer, more stable regions. The situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and long-term solutions to address both the root causes of the conflict and its devastating aftermath.