Gazans voice desire to leave as hundreds depart through Israeli mechanism

The COGAT chief emphasized that evacuations were being coordinated through foreign governments.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on Wednesday published a series of messages from Gaza residents expressing frustration with life in the Strip and a wish to leave.

The comments were shared on COGAT’s Arabic-language Facebook page, Al-Munassek, amid reports that senior Hamas officials were attempting to exit Gaza using the same departure framework.

“Take us out—and then do whatever you want,” one Gazan wrote.

Another user commented, “Leave them (Hamas members) in the Strip—we want to get out. We don’t want Gaza, we’re fed up.”

A third asked: “Can I submit a request and give up all of Gaza? How does it work?”

According to COGAT, 550 residents left the territory on Wednesday for destinations that include the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Britain, Belgium, Romania, among others..

Most were medical patients accompanied by escorts. In total, more than 5,000 Gazans have departed in recent months through the Allenby Bridge crossing or via Ramon Airport.

COGAT chief Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian directly addressed the comments, acknowledging the growing demand.

“We hear you, and we know some of you want to leave the Gaza Strip. You write to us about this in comments and private messages,” he wrote.

He added that following a recent post about Hamas leaders fleeing, “many of you responded with your own desire to leave.”

Alian emphasized that evacuations were being coordinated through foreign governments.

“Many embassies around the world contact us on your behalf and request to receive you in their countries. We will continue coordinating additional evacuations at the embassies’ request,” he said, noting that departures depend on formal approval from host nations.

The latest figures and testimonies suggest growing discontent among ordinary Gazans, many of whom see departure as the only viable option.

While officials stress that arrangements rely on international coordination, the continuing exodus highlights the widening gap between Gaza’s population and its leadership.