Poll Shows Rising Emigration Interest Among Palestinians in Yehudah, Shomron and Gaza

By Yoni Weiss

A new poll conducted by Dr. Khalil Shikaki and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) reveals an increasing number of Palestinians in Yehudah, Shomron and Gaza expressing a desire to emigrate.

According to the poll, over a quarter of respondents are considering emigration: 31% of Gazans and 21% of those in Palestinian-controlled areas of Yehudah and Shomron. This trend is even more pronounced among young adults aged 18-29, with 44% in Gaza and 28% in PA-controlled areas wanting to leave. Among those aged 30 and over, the percentages drop to 23% in Gaza and 17% in PA-controlled areas.

The analysis shows a higher interest in emigration among men compared to women. In Gaza, 31% of Fatah supporters are looking to leave, compared to just 14% of Hamas supporters. In Yehudah and Shomron, 19% of Hamas supporters and 16% of Fatah supporters wish to emigrate.

Economic hardships are a significant factor driving this desire, cited by 45% of respondents, including 54% of Gazans and 37% in PA-controlled areas. Political and security reasons were also noted, with 13% and 12% of respondents respectively expressing these concerns.

Preferred emigration destinations include Turkey (19%), Germany (13%), Canada (11%), followed by the US and Qatar.