Since October 7, the prolonged war against the Gaza Strip has resulted in the departure of more than 550,000 Israelis from the country, an alarming number according to recent Israeli media. These departures, reported by the Population and Immigration Authority and relayed by the “ Times of Israel“, represent significant migration during the first six months of the conflict, with little return until recently.
This phenomenon, initially seen as a temporary response to the war situation or logistical obstacles, now appears to take the form of permanent migration, highlighting the lasting impact of the conflict on Israeli demographics.
In April of this year, Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics estimated the country’s total population at 9.9 million, including significant diversity: more than two million Arabs, including 1948 Palestinians, 400,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem, as well as 20,000 Syrians in the occupied Syrian Golan. Additionally, many Israelis hold dual nationality, which may influence their travel decisions during periods of protracted conflict.
As the war on Gaza continues, similar events are also unfolding on Israel’s northern border, where Lebanese and Palestinian factions engage in daily firefights with the Israeli army along the ” blue line » which separates Lebanon from Israel.
Despite repeated calls from the international community, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, for an immediate ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and Rafah. Additionally, the International Court of Justice has issued orders demanding an end to the occupation of Rafah and actions to prevent what is described as ” genocide“, as well as to improve the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza region.
The humanitarian consequences of this war are alarming: more than 123,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, mainly innocent civilians, including many children and women. In addition, more than 10,000 people are missing, and critical infrastructure has suffered massive damage. A severe food crisis has also claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinian children, increasing suffering among the civilian population.
This protracted conflict continues to polarize international public opinion and spark urgent calls for a peaceful and lasting resolution, to end the loss of life and the suffering of civilian populations on both sides of the conflict.
