Around 130 Palestinians left the Gaza Strip on Wednesday via Ramon Airport in southern Israel. According to Channel 12 News, citing Israeli authorities, about 110 of them traveled to France, while the others are expected to settle in Bosnia and Chile.
On April 1, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel inspected Ramon Airport to oversee the process of “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza. On that day, dozens of Gazans were flown to Leipzig, Germany, accompanied by German diplomats. Since the start of this initiative, hundreds of Gazans have been flown to third countries such as Germany, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the Population and Immigration Authority under the Interior Ministry.
On March 22, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the proposal by Defense Minister Israel Katz to establish a directorate within the ministry to promote the voluntary emigration of Gaza residents. Katz emphasized that this initiative aligns with the vision of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has proposed transforming Gaza’s 40-kilometer coastal strip into a real estate development area and relocating approximately 2.2 million residents. “We are working with all available means to implement the U.S. President’s vision and will facilitate the relocation of any Gaza resident who wishes to move to a third country,” Katz stated last month.
A survey published last month in the British Telegraph found that 52% of Gazans—more than 1.1 million people—would leave the Strip either temporarily or permanently if given the opportunity
The latest departure is part of Israel’s broader plan to facilitate the voluntary emigration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This plan comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza and growing international calls for humanitarian aid to the region. Defense Minister Katz stressed that the program complies with both Israeli and international law and aims to ensure a “safe and controlled” process for those choosing to leave.
The departure of these 130 Palestinians marks another step in Israel’s efforts to offer Gaza residents new opportunities in third countries. While most traveled to France, others are expected to settle in Bosnia and Chile. Israeli authorities emphasize that these are voluntary departures and that the program seeks to provide participants with the chance for a better future outside the conflict zone.
