Quicksplained: Is Israel sending 100 Palestinians to Indonesia? Why?

For the first time, a group of 100 Palestinian residents from Gaza are expected to leave the war-torn region and travel to Indonesia for employment.

The initiative is part of an Israeli pilot programme aimed at encouraging the voluntary migration of Palestinians from **Gaza** , The Times of Israel reported citing a Hebrew media report.

The project is reportedly led by Major-General Ghassan Alian, head of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), and is designed to facilitate the relocation of thousands of Gazans to Indonesia for work opportunities.

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What kind of jobs will be available, and what other details are known about the programme? Has Indonesia responded to these reports?

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Let’s find out:

Are Gazans flying to Indonesia for work?

According to reports, a group of 100 Palestinian residents from **Gaza** are set to leave the region to take up jobs in Indonesia as part of a new pilot initiative.

Most of them will be employed in the construction sector, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing a local media report.

Israel is said to be hopeful that if the programme proves successful, it could encourage thousands of Gazans to voluntarily relocate to Indonesia for employment, with the possibility of settling there permanently, which is subject to approval from Jakarta.

Given that Israel and Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, do not have formal diplomatic ties, a dedicated communication channel was reportedly set up between Jerusalem and Jakarta to facilitate the initiative, according to The Times of Israel.

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If the scheme is considered successful, a newly established “migration administration” will oversee its management, the report stated.

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Under international law, those leaving Gaza for work are entitled to return. However, local media said that the initiative is aimed at promoting long-term residence in Indonesia.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz, who is in charge of the programme, is expected to appoint Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, a senior military figure known for his strong ties to the national religious community, to lead the effort.

A United Nations assessment from September indicated that more than two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been either damaged or destroyed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The war took place after Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages.

Notably, local media reports suggest a sharp increase in the number of Gazans opting to emigrate.

Since the beginning of the month, 1,000 residents have left the enclave, with an additional 600 expected to depart this week. Since the war broke out, a total of 35,000 Gazans have permanently left the territory.

Those who have left so far include people seeking medical care along with their families, dual nationals, and residents holding permits from third countries.

What has Indonesia said about the reports?

According to a report by Indonesia Business Post, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims that any discussions or agreements have taken place regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to the country.

In a press release, Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat clarified the government’s stance.

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“The Indonesian government has never discussed or received any information regarding the planned relocation of Gaza residents to Indonesia, as reported by some foreign media,” it read.

He said that Indonesia is currently focusing more on encouraging an agreement on the second phase of the ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and ensuring that the reconstruction of the enclave begins immediately, according to the report.