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While Egypt has reportedly declined President Trump’s proposal to resettle Gazans, citing the need to safeguard Palestinian interests and its own security while working with Arab leaders on alternatives, Gazans in the war-torn territory express their desire to leave.

Desperate Gazans have told Digital that they would support the relocation plan – to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” after its population of over 2 million Palestinians is moved out – though it is unclear if they would be permitted to return. Many Gazans express a wish to leave, if only the borders were open.

“I am willing to live in a tent for 10 years. Egypt was responsible for rebuilding Gaza following previous conflicts – and you can still find remnants from the 2008 Israeli military operation. I would prefer to leave and gain 10 years of life rather than wait for a plan while living in a tent,” said Walid, 29, from Nuseirat Camp in northern Gaza, in a WhatsApp interview with Digital facilitated by the Center for Peace Communications (CPC).

THE HISTORY OF GAZA AMID TRUMP’S PLAN TO REBUILD ENCLAVE

Walid, like many others, indicated that even before the conflict, Gazans sought to leave, not to abandon their homeland, but due to a lack of opportunity under Hamas’s governance.

Egypt, which is playing a leading role in developing a three- to four-year reconstruction initiative, refugees, keeping the Rafah crossing closed to prevent mass departures from Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas maintains military control and inflicts terror, despite being unable to provide basic governance, making life unbearable for civilians.

A man standing amidst the ruins of his former residence, interviewed and filmed by CPC, voiced his desperation: “If I left today, I would be better off. Do you expect me to live in these ruins? Even a cat would flee this place – let alone a person.”

A woman in Gaza, her face obscured, like many others fearing retribution from Hamas, described a stifling existence, telling CPC, “People feel imprisoned. There is no way to escape, which has created a state of frustration and despair.”

A man near Gaza’s coastline, positioned against the stark contrast between the sea and the devastation behind him, stated: “Three-quarters of those who returned from displacement camps have gone south again because there are no houses left. I will not remain here because disease will spread. Our situation is dire. Anyone who claims otherwise is deceiving themselves.”

Another man, also filmed near the sea by CPC, said, “Excuse my language, but not even dogs can live in northern Gaza. There is no water, no electricity, no infrastructure whatsoever.”

Joseph Braude, founder of CPC, a nonprofit supporting peace activists seeking freedom from terrorist control, stated: “Gazans are trapped by Hamas in unlivable circumstances. It is unconscionable to disregard the desperate pleas of men, women, and children who wish to voluntarily leave Gaza. These Gazans support to open the border so they can seek a better life free from war and destruction. If Hamas were to open the border, the world would witness a mass exodus akin to the fall of the Berlin Wall.”

With homes destroyed, no functioning government, and no assurance that war will not resume, some Gazans are openly supporting Trump’s plan, which would enable them to relocate to other nations, including Egypt and Jordan, at least for the decade-long rebuilding period estimated by U.S. officials. This is happening despite the risks of speaking against Hamas.

Raji Sourani, a prominent human rights lawyer from Gaza, criticized Trump’s stance in an interview with the Associated Press, stating, “This marks the first time in history that a U.S. president has spoken so publicly and frankly about committing one of the most serious crimes.”

Walid dismissed the idea that Trump’s plan a phrase widely used in the international media. “Even those who oppose the plan know that Gaza will not be emptied. Those spreading this propaganda are the same individuals who supported the October 7th attacks. They attempt to promote slogans like, ‘We are resisting, staying forever.’ But ordinary people who are not involved in politics will not oppose an idea that could finally bring an end to this conflict for them.”

Despite the widespread suffering, Hamas refuses to give up control. Mohamad, a displaced father in Gaza City, described a lawless society where Hamas fighters appear only when releasing hostages or suppressing opposition. Like many others, Mohamad is waiting for any opportunity to escape.

“If they were to open the gate, half of Gaza would leave,” he told Digital. “The other half will stay, but not out of love for Hamas. Some will remain because they still have a house, a job, or family members who cannot leave.”

As post-war plans for Gaza are being formulated, Mohamad’s question remains: “If Gazans want to leave, why is no one allowing them to do so?”

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