In 2019, the Research and Public Opinion Measurement Center at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City published the results of a survey titled "Reasons for Youth Migration and Its Impact on Palestinian Society." The survey was conducted between March 27 and April 4, 2019, across the Gaza Strip governorates.
Survey Data:
In the previous survey (July 2018), 51.8% of participants stated they would agree to emigrate if given the opportunity.
In the current survey, this figure rose to 61%, indicating a continuous increase in young people's desire to leave Gaza.
96% of respondents believe that youth migration is a tangible phenomenon in Gaza.
Key Factors Encouraging Migration:
75.4% cited the ongoing political division, unemployment, and lack of basic services as the primary reasons pushing young people to leave.
11.1% identified political division as the main cause.
8.5% pointed to high unemployment rates.
5% considered the lack of basic services to be the decisive factor.
What Would Young People Choose if Political Division Ended?
78.3% stated that if the division were resolved, they could achieve their personal goals without emigrating.
73.7% said they would prefer to work in Palestine if given both a local job offer and one from abroad.
Effects of Migration on Palestinian Society:
83.1% believe migration would have a negative impact on Palestinian society.
92.3% stated that migration would harm Gaza’s demographic structure.
92.1% believe migration would lead to an increase in the percentage of unmarried women.
87.6% said migration undermines the Palestinian struggle for liberation and state-building.
Israel’s Role in Encouraging Migration:
87.7% believe the phenomenon aligns with Israel’s goals of depopulating Palestine.
88.4% claimed that Israel encourages migration through the blockade and military threats.
64.6% blamed "suspicious actors collaborating with Israel" for promoting migration.
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Key Insights on the Current Situation Following Trump’s Proposed Plan for Gaza:
The situation in Gaza today is far worse than it was in 2019 (when the survey was conducted) in all aspects of life. Therefore, it is likely that the percentage of those wishing to emigrate is now significantly higher.
The more Israeli or external actors, such as the U.S., discuss this issue publicly and loudly, the more Palestinian sentiment tends to automatically oppose Israel’s stance. This could make it more difficult for Gazans to emigrate abroad. This is an important point to emphasize—the more the official State of Israel or the U.S. administration talks about migration, the less likely it is to actually happen.
The preferred migration destination for Gaza's Arabs is primarily not Arab countries, but rather Europe or America. It is driven by several factors:
Economic Opportunities:
Many Gaza residents are looking for better economic prospects. European and American countries often offer higher wages, more job opportunities, and a better standard of living compared to most Arab countries. While some Gulf states have attracted migrant laborers, they are often not seen as long-term options for Palestinian migration due to limitations on citizenship, work conditions, and social rights.
Political and Social Freedoms:
Europe and America are perceived as offering greater political and social freedoms, including more space for expression, personal rights, and opportunities for advancement that may not be as accessible in many Arab countries, where political systems can be more restrictive. This is especially significant for young Palestinians who feel limited in their ability to shape their futures within Gaza or the broader Arab world.
Educational and Professional Development:
Many in Gaza seek advanced education or professional growth that they believe is more attainable in Western countries. Scholarships, better educational systems, and more opportunities for personal and professional development are often seen as more accessible in Europe and America.
Family Reunification and Diaspora Networks:
Over time, large Palestinian diaspora communities have been established in both Europe and America. Many Palestinians from Gaza have relatives already living in these regions, which provides both emotional and financial support for potential migrants. This creates a pull factor for those wishing to reunite with family members or seek assistance in starting anew in a different country.
Will the current harsh conditions in Gaza and the desire for a better future outweigh the deeply entrenched opposition to Israel and the continuation of the national and religious struggle? What role will Hamas, the cynical and brutal terror group using Gaza’s residents as hostages to achieve its goals, play in this?
Time will tell.
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This content is part of a lecture I give on migration and Palestinian communities abroad.
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