Netanyahu seeks Mossad's help to relocate Gazans amid global rejection
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to the Mossad for assistance in relocating Gazans.
- Most countries have turned down requests to accept a large number of Palestinian refugees, although a few sick children have been accepted elsewhere.
- Israel is actively facilitating the relocation of Gazans, with a focus on permanent migration options to countries like Indonesia.
In February 2025, a significant proposal for the relocation of the nearly 2 million residents of Gaza was initiated by US President Donald Trump, aimed primarily at the rebuilding of Gaza. Following this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly contacted the Mossad to assist in identifying countries willing to accept displaced Gazans. To date, most nations approached have declined the opportunity to provide refuge, other than a few cases involving sick children. Reports indicate that discussions were held with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland regarding the relocation of Palestinians, but Sudan has rejected the proposal outright, while Somalia and Somaliland did not acknowledge any discussions had taken place. Additionally, there were suggestions that Gaza residents could be relocated to Syria, but officials in Syria have denied any knowledge of such plans. One new initiative sees a hundred Gazans being relocated to Indonesia, as part of an immigration effort by Israel's Defense Ministry to facilitate mass migration to third-party countries. This program is notable as it provides permanent migration opportunities for the selected individuals, who will also have the option to return to Gaza if they choose. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) is overseeing this program, with Major-General Ghassan Alian leading efforts to ensure employment primarily in the construction sector for the migrants. The program is Israel's first substantial attempt to manage large-scale relocations to Indonesia, a country noted for its large Muslim majority population. Meanwhile, Israel has also recently facilitated the travel of over 200 Gazans and their families to the United Arab Emirates for medical treatment. All groups moving out of Gaza are subjected to security screenings by Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet, at the Kerem Shalom crossing to ensure their safety and compliance with regulations during this transition.