Hundred Gazans Begin Migration to Indonesia in Israeli Pilot Program

A new Israeli pilot program has begun, allowing approximately 100 Palestinians from Gaza to migrate to Indonesia for construction work, aiming to test the feasibility of voluntary emigration from the Hamas-controlled enclave. Coordinated by Major General Ghassan Alian, the initiative marks a significant step in Israel's efforts to facilitate larger-scale migration, with the potential for thousands more Gazans to follow if successful. Although Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, negotiations have allowed for this cooperation, highlighting a shift in regional dynamics. The program anticipates long-term residency opportunities for migrants, despite international law permitting their return to Gaza after work. As part of broader migration efforts, Israel has also established a new Migration Directorate to oversee and manage future departures. This pilot comes amid a backdrop of ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, with around 35,000 residents having already left since the onset of the conflict.