I think a lot of people misunderstand this aspect of the situation re why civilians are staying in Gaza

[Jane3212]

I've seen quite a few posts on Mumsnet and elsewhere asking why Gazans with dependent children are staying there despite the danger, some speculating that it's due to Hamas brainwashing to stay no matter what danger and become martyrs.

But that completely ignores that the Rafah Crossing for various reasons has been closed from 2024 and is only partially open now. The huge amount of crowdfunding campaigns to get into Egypt suggest to me that a lot of Gazans DO want to leave while the fighting continues, and do want to protect their children. It's not their fault that this is extremely difficult.

I stress, I do NOT think it would be right for Gazans to be forced to leave and not allowed to return. But I DO think that human life is the most important thing, and Gaza at the moment is clearly not safe for civilians still. I don't think it will be until Hamas are gone. Ordinary families should be able to leave if they want to, but I understand the difficulties behind the border restrictions.

https://www.jns.org/israel-news/poll-half-of-gaza-residents-ready-to-leave-if-given-the-chance

https://www.dw.com/en/crowdfunding-gazas-new-channel-for-aid-and-escape/a-68435931

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gaza-residents-crowdfunding-egypt-escape-israel-hamas-war-rcna145467

Gaza at the moment is clearly not safe for civilians still. I don't think it will be until Hamas are gone.

Only Hamas?

Where would they go?

And would they actually be allowed back in when Israel annex their land for their own uses.
Because looking at the poll only 14% want to leave permanently.( Tiny numbers really when you consider the living conditions they have been subjected to.

If they weren't allowed back in, that would be hugely wrong. Realistically, I think it would be very hard for Likud or any other party to refuse to let them back in unless another country or countries agreed to take them, which so far has not happened.

Jordan and the Gulf states already have a lot of Palestinians, as does Egypt. They have strong motives not to take more : fear of Hamas weaponsing refugees leading to Black September repeats, pressure on infrastructure, desire not to be seen agreeing to permanent displacement.

The best scenario would be spreading them among Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf states until it's safe to return. There's obviously several barriers in the way of that.

Who else do you want to go?

If you mean illegal settlers, I think they should go too- certainly if they're being violent or committing wrongdoings.

Given Jordan's history on providing refuge to Palestinians I don't think that they will be in a hurry to commit the same mistake again and plunge their country into chaos.

How many Palestinians from the 1948 Nakba were allowed to return. None. The Palestinians and everyone else with a brain knows that it would be a one way trip.

They would if they thought it was purely a humanitarian act but they know damn well it is just a ruse to help Israel's genocide. Surely you can see that.

Yes, those countries don't want them.

There are no Israeli settlements in Gaza. All Jews had to leave in 2005. They were dragged out by the IDF in some cases.

I think you know what is meant by illegal settlers.

Are you talking about Judea and Samaria?

Surely it's better to leave than be trapped in a war zone though? It would be deeply unjust if they weren't allowed to return but it's better to be alive, and many Gazans are children too young to choose to stay despite the dangers.

How many Jew who left Arab countries in 1948 were allowed to return? None. How many of them are still 'refugees'? None.

Is that you Donald?

You’re forgetting the yellow line free fire zones OP.
Gazans can’t even get to Rafah.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/22/gaza-yellow-line-creeps-westwards-israel