In the 15 years since Hamas seized control of Gaza, 12 percent of the Strip’s population has fled, according to a study released by an organization associated with the terror group. The report appears to mark the first time Hamas is acknowledging, indirectly, widespread Palestinian emigration since it violently seized control of the Strip in 2007.
“Gaza is being emptied of its residents,” the report said.
The PA has no data on the scope of migration from Gaza under Hamas rule. Till now, Hamas hid the data, making accurate numbers difficult for human rights organizations to gather.
Sums as high as $10,000 dollars and more are paid to smugglers who take Palestinians by boat to Spain via Egypt and North Africa, or to Greece or Turkey, which are closer.
The trips are fraught with danger. Since 2014, more than 360 Palestinians have drowned in Greek and Turkish waters.
Photo TPS