Expert Predicts: “Once the Crossings Open, Gazans Will Leave the Strip”

Following President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the future of Gaza, discussions have reignited over the feasibility of voluntary Palestinian migration from the enclave. Trump has proposed that up to 1.5 million Gazans relocate to neighboring Arab nations while reconstruction efforts take place. However, this idea has been met with firm opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar.

Would Gazans Choose to Leave?
Despite resistance from regional leaders, Trump remains resolute, insisting that Arab nations “will have to agree” to the plan. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is actively engaged in negotiations for the hostage deal, also sees the proposal as viable. However, how realistic is this scenario?

In an exclusive interview with Sinai News, Middle East expert and prominent Arabic media commentator Dr. Edy Cohen weighed in on the likelihood of Gazans choosing to leave their war-torn homeland, as well as the broader regional and political implications of such a move.

“Emigration Is Every Young Gazan’s Dream”

SN: Would Gaza’s residents consider voluntarily leaving their homes?

Dr. Cohen: “Even before October 7th, we saw thousands of young Gazans leaving the Strip. Some risked their lives crossing the sea to reach Europe. This has long been the dream of many young Gazans. After the destruction caused by the war, that desire has grown exponentially. But it’s important to remember—Trump is a businessman. He wants to rebuild Gaza, and his main concern isn’t what happens to the Palestinians. His goal is to bring in American companies, launch construction projects, and generate economic opportunities.”

Dr. Cohen elaborates on the differing motivations between Israel and President Trump regarding Gaza’s future. “Trump aims to improve living conditions for Gazans. If they currently reside in a four-room apartment, he wants to offer them five rooms with a balcony. While his focus is on reconstruction and development, this aligns with Israel’s interest in facilitating their departure. His plan envisions a temporary relocation to Egypt and Jordan, with the prospect of returning to newly built homes.”

This concept reflects a historical precedent found in the Bible when Abraham migrated to Egypt due to economic hardship, seeking sustenance and stability in a foreign land. “Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.” – Genesis 12:10. Just as migration has historically been a response to hardship, the prospect of voluntary relocation could offer Gazans an opportunity for a better future.

SN: Could the stated goal of “improving the living conditions of Gazans” just be a façade, while the real intention is to encourage them to leave permanently?

Dr. Cohen: “We can’t assume that’s Trump’s actual intention because he wants to begin rebuilding Gaza immediately. Ideally, the Palestinians should face the consequences of their choices—losing some of their land instead of receiving rewards. In my opinion, they should have to endure the devastation they brought upon themselves for many years. They need to take responsibility for what they’ve done. The reality is, they will likely end up paying thousands of dollars just to bribe Egyptian officials to let them cross the border.”

He believes a gradual and quiet migration process would be the most effective approach without grand declarations. “We need to keep a low profile and let the process unfold naturally.”

“Egypt Will Open the Crossings Only for Palestinians with Foreign Visas”

Dr. Cohen also challenges the narrative circulated in Arab media that Gazans refuse to leave. “We know this isn’t true. Who can live among these ruins? Who can survive without electricity or water? No one will want to stay in Gaza in these conditions.”

“If they had the chance, they would leave immediately,” Cohen states firmly. “I have no doubt about that. The problem is that the crossings remain closed because Arab countries don’t want them. I believe Egypt would agree to open the border if we provided Palestinians with visas to countries like Singapore, Indonesia, or other nations. They would allow them to transit through Egypt under those conditions. We could even organize direct transportation from Gaza to an airport and arrange flights to their final destinations.”

SN: Do you think any countries would take in the Gazans?

Dr. Cohen: “I believe they could be resettled across multiple nations. Canada, for example, accepts immigrants from all over the world. They could easily take in tens of thousands of Gazans. Ireland, which always claims to love the Palestinians, should also take some. We could distribute them among various countries.”

He concludes with a blunt assessment: “The name of the game is to empty Gaza of Gazans, but nothing should be done by force. I speak with many people who desperately want to leave. They are simply waiting for an opportunity.”