In a controversial move, Israel is reportedly offering financial incentives and opportunities for Gazans to permanently leave the Gaza Strip and relocate to countries such as France, Greece, or Malaysia. According to reports from AFP, the Israeli government has proposed a package that includes $5,000, housing, a job, and a monthly salary for those willing to resettle outside of the Gaza Strip.
This initiative has sparked intense debate, with critics accusing Israel of attempting to encourage the displacement of Palestinians from the region, while supporters argue that it could provide an opportunity for Gazans to start anew in more stable environments.
The offer is said to be part of a broader attempt to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by years of conflict, blockades, and the impact of recent escalations. For many Palestinians living in Gaza, the region has long struggled with poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services.
Israel’s offer to pay individuals to leave Gaza is not the first of its kind, as similar proposals have been discussed in past peace talks and negotiations, though this latest plan has reportedly been presented in a more formal and public manner.
Under the reported terms of the deal, eligible individuals or families would receive $5,000 upfront as an incentive, along with assistance in securing housing and employment in one of the designated host countries. The program is said to also include a monthly salary to help individuals resettle and integrate into their new communities.
While some view this as a lifeline for those looking for a way out of Gaza’s dire conditions, the proposal has been met with skepticism and backlash from Palestinian leaders and human rights groups, who argue that it may be an attempt to rid the region of its Palestinian population. Critics also fear that such measures could further entrench the status quo in Gaza and undermine the prospects for a long-term peace solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
In response to the growing backlash, Israeli officials have emphasized that the plan is entirely voluntary and aimed at offering economic opportunities to those who wish to leave, not a forced expulsion. However, doubts about the sincerity of the initiative remain, with many questioning the real motivations behind such an offer.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how many Gazans will accept Israel’s proposal and whether the plan will have any lasting impact on the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.